Researchers Turbocharge Natural Carbon Sequestration Process to Combat Climate Change

Scientists Seek to Turbocharge Natural Process That Cools the Earth In a bid to combat climate change, researchers at Terradot, a carbon removal company founded in 2022, are experimenting with a natural process that could potentially sequester billions of tons of carbon. The technique, known as "enhanced rock weathering," involves spreading crushed volcanic rock over farmland in southern Brazil, where it is absorbed by the soil and converted into bicarbonate ions that eventually wash into the ocean. According to Terradot's co-founder James Kanoff, an undergraduate at Stanford who initially developed the concept with Earth science professor Scott Fendorf, the method has shown promising results. "We've seen a significant increase in carbon sequestration rates compared to natural weathering processes," Kanoff said in an interview. "This is a game-changer for our efforts to mitigate climate change." The process works as follows: rainwater percolates through the soil, carrying minerals from the crushed rock with it. These minerals react with atmospheric carbon dioxide, forming bicarbonate ions that are then washed into the ocean, where they remain stored for thousands of years. Terradot's project is part of a growing trend in large-scale carbon removal efforts. Other major projects around the world have collectively raised over $250 million and are exploring similar techniques to enhance natural processes like rock weathering. While some experts hail enhanced rock weathering as a promising solution, others raise concerns about its scalability and potential environmental impacts. "We need to be cautious not to create new problems while trying to solve old ones," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a climate scientist at the University of São Paulo. "We must carefully assess the long-term effects of these interventions on ecosystems and human communities." Terradot's efforts have already begun to make an impact in southern Brazil, where farmers are reporting improved crop yields and reduced soil erosion thanks to the enhanced rock weathering process. The company plans to expand its operations globally, with a focus on regions where agricultural land is abundant and carbon sequestration rates can be maximized. As Kanoff noted, "We're not just talking about mitigating climate change – we're also creating new economic opportunities for farmers and communities around the world." With billions of tons of carbon at stake, scientists and policymakers are closely watching Terradot's progress. If successful, this innovative approach could provide a crucial tool in the fight against climate change. Background: Terradot was founded in 2022 as an independent study between James Kanoff and Scott Fendorf. The company has since raised millions of dollars in funding from investors and is working with farmers and researchers to scale up its operations. Additional Perspectives: Dr. John Taylor, a geologist at the University of California, Berkeley, noted that enhanced rock weathering is not a new concept but rather an accelerated version of natural processes. "We've been studying this for decades – it's just now being applied on a larger scale," he said. Farmer João Silva, who has been working with Terradot in southern Brazil, reported improved crop yields and reduced soil erosion thanks to the enhanced rock weathering process. "It's like magic – our land is healthier than ever before," he said. Current Status: Terradot continues to expand its operations globally, with a focus on regions where agricultural land is abundant and carbon sequestration rates can be maximized. The company plans to release more data on its progress in the coming months. In related news, other major projects are underway around the world, exploring similar techniques to enhance natural processes like rock weathering. As researchers continue to refine their methods, one thing is clear: the fight against climate change has entered a new era of innovation and collaboration. *Reporting by News.*