Researchers Accelerate Ancient Climate Solution to Combat Global Warming

Scientists Seek To Turbocharge a Natural Process That Cools the Earth In a bid to combat climate change, researchers at Terradot, a carbon removal company founded in 2022, are attempting to accelerate a natural process that normally unfolds over thousands or millions of years. By spreading volcanic rock crushed into fine dust across farmland in southern Brazil, they aim to pull carbon from the air and convert it into bicarbonate ions that eventually wash into the ocean. The technique, known as "enhanced rock weathering," has garnered significant attention worldwide, with some researchers estimating its potential to sequester billions of tons of carbon. Terradot's efforts are part of a broader movement, with other major projects collectively raising over a quarter-billion dollars in funding. "We're not trying to replace existing climate solutions, but rather complement them," said James Kanoff, co-founder and CEO of Terradot. "Our goal is to make this technology scalable and accessible to farmers and communities worldwide." Kanoff's undergraduate project at Stanford University, where he partnered with Earth science professor Scott Fendorf, laid the groundwork for Terradot's development. The company has since expanded its scope, collaborating with researchers from institutions such as Harvard and MIT. The process of enhanced rock weathering is rooted in natural geological processes that occur over long periods. However, by accelerating these reactions through human intervention, scientists hope to mitigate the effects of climate change more rapidly. "We're essentially 'turbocharging' a natural process," explained Fendorf. "By doing so, we can make a significant dent in carbon emissions and help slow global warming trends." While some have raised concerns about the long-term efficacy and environmental impact of enhanced rock weathering, proponents argue that it offers a promising approach to large-scale carbon sequestration. "This technology has the potential to be a game-changer," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a climate scientist at the University of São Paulo. "If we can scale it up effectively, it could make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions." As Terradot continues to advance its research and implementation efforts, the company is also working to engage with local communities and farmers in Brazil. By doing so, they aim to not only reduce carbon emissions but also promote sustainable agricultural practices. The project's success will depend on various factors, including funding, scalability, and community buy-in. However, if successful, it could provide a valuable tool for addressing climate change, one that complements existing efforts rather than replacing them. As Kanoff noted, "We're not just trying to remove carbon from the air; we're also working to build a more sustainable future for farmers and communities worldwide." *Reporting by News.*