Volts What's the deal with enhanced rock weathering to store CO2?
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Feb 7, 2025 Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist and communicator at Frontier, dives into the innovative approach of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) to store CO₂. He explains how crushed basalt rock can improve soil health, boost agricultural productivity, and aid carbon sequestration. The discussion covers the logistics of implementing ERW, its advantages over traditional methods, and the challenges of measuring effectiveness. Zeke also shares insights on how farmers might benefit from this technique and its potential role within the broader climate solutions landscape.
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ERW's Promise
- Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon removal option due to its cost-effectiveness and existing infrastructure.
- Switching from carbonates to silicates in agriculture could sequester carbon.
Alkalinity and Carbon Removal
- Alkalinity neutralizes carbonic acid, forming bicarbonate minerals, which get stored long-term.
- This natural carbon cycle process is accelerated in ERW by crushing basalt rock.
Basalt's Role in ERW
- Basalt, a common volcanic rock, is ideal for ERW due to its silicate content.
- The active ingredients are calcium and magnesium, which absorb CO2, not silica itself.