In the quest to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists and environmentalists are exploring innovative approaches beyond traditional methods. One such method gaining attention is
While reducing emissions remains crucial, experts now acknowledge the need for carbon dioxide removal to prevent dangerous levels of global warming. Enhanced rock weathering bridges the gap between natural processes and human intervention, harnessing the power of rocks to remove carbon more efficiently. Jim Mann, the founder of UNDO, an enhanced rock weathering company, refers to basalt as his "magic dust." He explains that when basalt weathers in the rain, it naturally removes CO2 from the atmosphere. The key is increasing the surface area of contact between the rock and rain, which enhances the weathering process and boosts carbon removal.
To optimize carbon removal, UNDO partners with local farmers who spread the leftover basalt rock on their fields. Not only does this practice lock away carbon, but it has also shown promising results in improving crop yields and grazing quality. Farmers benefit from the free fertilizer, and the environment benefits from enhanced carbon removal. UNDO's scientists estimate that it takes four tonnes of basalt rocks to capture one tonne of CO2. With the average Brit emitting approximately seven tonnes of CO2 annually, each individual would require about thirty tonnes of basalt to break even. However, UNDO aims to rapidly scale up its operations, with support from influential backers like Microsoft, which has committed to funding the scattering of 25,000 tonnes of basalt on UK fields. Microsoft will also contribute to project auditing and verification.
While some experts express concerns that carbon removal techniques could divert attention from emission reductions, Jim Mann emphasizes that CO2 reduction must remain the primary focus. However, developing scalable carbon removal technologies is equally important, and enhanced rock weathering offers a permanent solution. The scalability of enhanced rock weathering remains a question. The energy and emissions associated with grinding, transporting, and scattering basalt byproducts need to be considered as the practice expands. Nevertheless, Dr. Steve Smith, a carbon removal expert from Oxford University, believes that integrating enhanced rock weathering into existing land use practices could deliver carbon removal benefits alongside food and crop production.
UNDO plans to spread 185,000 tonnes of basalt this year and aims to remove one million tonnes of CO2 by 2025. While this is a relatively small contribution compared to global emissions, it represents an important step forward in exploring alternative solutions. In conclusion, enhanced rock weathering harnesses the natural process of rock weathering to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This approach offers a promising avenue for carbon removal alongside traditional emission reduction efforts. By collaborating with local farmers, UNDO is scaling up its operations and attracting support from influential organizations. While challenges regarding scalability and energy requirements remain, enhanced rock weathering holds potential as a beneficial tool in the fight against climate change.
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