Exploring the concept of ocean carbon removal through marine geoengineering, including the controversial practice of ocean fertilization and the regulatory challenges involved. The podcast highlights the urgency and caution needed in addressing climate change impacts, emphasizing the complexities and controversies surrounding these technologies.
Marine geoengineering can store carbon in oceans to mitigate climate change.
Ocean alkalinity enhancement can help combat ocean acidification and increase carbon sequestration.
Deep dives
The Controversy of Ocean Engineering: Russ George's Experiment
In 2012, entrepreneur Russ George conducted an unauthorized experiment by dumping iron sulfate into ocean waters off the coast of Haida Gwaii, aiming to boost fish stock and remove carbon dioxide. While the experiment showed increased salmon returns, the carbon sequestration impact remained unclear. This unconventional form of geoengineering raised concerns about its untested nature and potential ecological consequences.
The Role of Planetary Technologies in Carbon Removal
Planetary Technologies, a Halifax-based company, is focused on ocean alkalinity enhancement to alter ocean pH and increase carbon dioxide absorption. Their approach aims to address ocean acidification and enhance carbon sequestration. With trials in Cornwall and Halifax, this method offers a distinct strategy from traditional geoengineering methods, indicating a shift towards innovative carbon removal solutions.
Balancing Climate Solutions: Potential Benefits and Risks
Proponents of geoengineering stress the need for emission reduction alongside innovative solutions to combat climate change. While marine geoengineering offers a means to tackle challenging emissions sources, concerns arise about the unknown repercussions of altering complex ocean ecosystems. The urgency to address climate impacts may prompt drastic actions, highlighting the delicate balance between seeking effective solutions and understanding potential risks.
Mess with the finely balanced ecosystem of the ocean? On purpose?! What could go wrong?! But the truth is, we've messed with it already. The oceans suck up a lot of our carbon, and you may have noticed they get hotter every year. But what if there was a way to store carbon in the ocean, possibly forever, where it wouldn't do any damage?
Welcome to the world of marine geoengineering—a field gaining a lot of attention, as well as a lot of investment, including in Canadian companies. We might not understand the depths of the ocean's ecosystem enough to ensure we won't do anything truly horrible...but eventually we might have no option but to try it anyway...