Innovative Approaches to Combatting Ocean Acidification and Climate Change
As carbon dioxide levels reach unprecedented levels, scientists are turning to the oceans for innovative solutions to combat climate change. On behalf of Climate Central, Correspondent Ben Tracy investigates pioneering methods that utilize “antacid” chemistry to enhance ocean carbon storage and curb atmospheric CO2 levels.
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BY BEN TRACY, SENIOR CLIMATE CORRESPONDENT ON ASSIGNMENT FOR CLIMATE CENTRAL
The Earth’s climate is currently experiencing unprecedented imbalances, as highlighted by a recent report from the World Meteorological Organization. The relentless burning of fossil fuels has led to record greenhouse gas concentrations, intensifying global warming and extreme weather patterns.
While reducing emissions remains essential, scientists, including those from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, argue that it is insufficient. To mitigate the severe impacts of climate change, it is crucial to extract existing carbon from the atmosphere. While many focus on terrestrial or atmospheric solutions, a new wave of researchers is delving into marine possibilities.
“TUMS” for the Ocean
In the cool waters of the Gulf of Maine, a groundbreaking experiment is underway. Last summer, researchers introduced 16,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide into the ocean to decrease its acidity.
“You can kind of think of this like a TUMS for the ocean. It’s an antacid,” explains Adam Subhas from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
This method, known as Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement, is a form of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal. This suite of climate engineering technologies aims to capture CO2 from the atmosphere and store it securely in the ocean depths. Initial findings from the Woods Hole study indicate successful conditions for atmospheric carbon uptake, with no notable negative effects on marine ecosystems from this limited-scale trial.
The Cost of Carbon
Oceans act as a vast sponge, absorbing about a third of the carbon emissions generated by burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. Subhas notes that the ocean is playing a vital role in addressing climate change.
“They also take up about 90% of the heat too,” Subhas elaborates. “So they’re doing a huge amount of work in terms of absorbing what we’re putting into the atmosphere.”
However, this absorption comes at a cost. Increased CO2 levels lower seawater pH, leading to greater ocean acidity. This threatens coral reefs, challenges shellfish in forming shells, and reduces the ocean’s capacity to absorb further carbon.
Engineering a Solution
On the West Coast, Ebb Carbon, a startup, is testing a similar approach with a novel technique. At their Port Angeles, Washington facility, they process seawater to remove acid chemically before returning it to the ocean.
“This is where the magic happens,” says Ebb’s Kyla Westphal.
She highlights a network of sensors and an outfall pipe, where alkaline-treated water is reintroduced into the Pacific.
The company’s goal is to scale this technology by incorporating it into existing structures, like coastal desalination plants. Their first international collaboration is planned for Saudi Arabia later this year.
When questioned about the effectiveness of desalination plants in addressing the issue, Westphal asserts, “there would be enough capacity to remove around a billion tons of carbon dioxide from the air every year.” This would account for roughly 10% of the carbon removal required to prevent the most severe climate impacts.
Not a “Free Pass”
Ebb Carbon is not alone. A Canadian company, Planetary, is investigating a similar strategy at power plants, and some researchers propose utilizing global shipping fleets to distribute antacid solutions across the ocean.
Nonetheless, the feasibility of these methods on a global scale and their precise impact on climate change remain uncertain. Scientists caution that ocean geoengineering is not a substitute for reducing atmospheric pollution.
“No and it can’t be the goal,” insists Woods Hole’s Subhas. “If we don’t remain laser focused on actually addressing carbon dioxide emissions then there’s really no reason to be doing this at all.”
Original Story at www.climatecentral.org