Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels and land use change are at~40 Billion tons per annum. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published that we need to remove 10 billion tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere every year by 2050 and even more after that if we were to limit the warming to void the worst effects of climate change.
The only way to permanently reverse global warming is through carbon removal, where we lock away CO₂ permanenetly and avoid it being re-emitted into the atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
What is enhanced rock weathering?
Enhanced rock weathering is a method of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by grinding silicate rocks into a fine powder, then spreading it over a large area. The powder reacts with CO2 in the air to form carbonates, which can be safely stored underground.
How does enhanced rock weathering work?
The process works by grinding silicate rocks, such as basalt or olivine, into a fine powder. This powder is then spread over a large area, such as a field or ocean. When the powder comes into contact with CO2 in the air, it reacts with the CO2 to form carbonates, which can be safely stored underground.
What are the benefits of enhanced rock weathering?
Enhanced rock weathering has the potential to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. It is also a relatively simple and inexpensive method of carbon sequestration, and does not require the use of harmful chemicals.
Are there any drawbacks to enhanced rock weathering?
One potential drawback of enhanced rock weathering is the large scale of the operation required to have a meaningful impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, there is still ongoing research on the long-term effects and potential risks of spreading large amounts of rock powder over a large area.
Is enhanced rock weathering currently being used??
While enhanced rock weathering is still in the research and development phase, there have been small scale pilot projects and ongoing experimentation with the technology. There are a few global companies who have scaled ERW.
How can I get involved in enhanced rock weathering research or development?
You can get involved in enhanced rock weathering research or development by contacting organizations or researchers who are currently working on the technology. You can also support organizations that are working to promote the development of carbon sequestration methods such as enhanced rock weathering.
I want to buy carbon removal credits? How can I proceed?
We thank you for your interest. Please mail us on sales@mati.earth