Companies Spent Millions on Climate Fix, But Tech’s Answer May Be as Simple as Rocks
In an effort to mitigate the effects of pollution on the climate, Google and other prominent companies have invested in a groundbreaking plan to capture carbon dioxide using rocks. This ambitious endeavor has recently gained significant attention with a multi-million dollar deal between Google and Sheryl Sandberg-backed startup Terradot.
A Collective Effort towards Carbon Removal
The partnership involves several high-profile companies, including H&M Group and Salesforce, which have collectively agreed to pay Terradot $27 million to remove 90,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This initiative was brokered by Frontier, a carbon removal project led by Stripe, Google, Shopify, and McKinsey Sustainability.
Google’s Commitment to Carbon Removal
In addition to this partnership, Google has announced its own deal with Terradot to purchase an additional 200,000 tons of carbon removal. Although the company declined to disclose the cost of this agreement, it is estimated to be in the range of $60 million if the price per ton remains consistent with the Frontier deal.
The Power of Enhanced Rock Weathering
Terradot’s approach to carbon capture utilizes a relatively low-tech strategy known as enhanced rock weathering (ERW). This process involves accelerating an existing natural phenomenon, where rainfall naturally breaks down rocks, releasing calcium and magnesium, which react with CO2 in the atmosphere. By crushing rocks into smaller particles and spreading them across a large area, Terradot aims to increase the surface area of exposed rock, thus speeding up the reaction.
A Proven Track Record
The CEO and co-founder of Terradot, James Kanoff, has a proven track record in environmental innovation. Prior to starting Terradot, he co-founded the Farmlink Project, a nonprofit organization that connects food banks with farmers having excess produce. His connection with Sheryl Sandberg led to her investment in Terradot.
The Challenges Ahead
While this partnership represents a significant step towards carbon capture, there are still concerns surrounding the costs, safety, and potential delays associated with this technology. Experts emphasize that carbon removal should not be considered a substitute for preventing greenhouse gas emissions in the first place.
A Path Forward
Terradot has set ambitious targets to remove 90,000 tons of CO2 by 2029 and an additional 200,000 tons for Google by the early 2030s. The company’s approach involves using basalt rocks from quarries in southern Brazil, which are then transported to nearby farms. Farmers can use these finely ground rocks to manage soil pH, while carbon removal is a bonus.
The Uncertainty of Measurement
One of the key challenges facing Terradot is measuring the effectiveness of their technology. While they plan to take soil samples to assess CO2 capture based on rock degradation over time, it is difficult to determine how much calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate makes its way into the ocean to permanently sequester CO2.
The Expert’s Perspective
Dr. Jagoutz, a geologist at Harvard University, acknowledges that there are still uncertainties surrounding ERW. However, he emphasizes that this should not hinder trials in the real world: "I also think, why not try?… I don’t think we have the luxury to overthink it right now."
The Future of Climate Action
While Google’s commitment to carbon removal is a significant step forward, experts stress that switching to clean energy is the only effective way to combat climate change. Carbon removal can be seen as an attempt to counteract some of a company’s legacy pollution while making this transition.
In Conclusion
The partnership between Google and Terradot represents a groundbreaking effort towards carbon capture using enhanced rock weathering. While there are still challenges ahead, this innovative approach has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize both emissions reductions and carbon removal strategies to effectively combat climate change.
Comments
- 1: This article highlights an important aspect of climate action: the need for companies like Google to take responsibility for their legacy pollution while transitioning to clean energy.
- 2: The use of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising approach, but it’s essential to address the uncertainties surrounding measurement and scalability.