Farmers Worldwide Adopt Enhanced Rock Weathering for Climate Solution

The article discusses the global adoption of enhanced rock weathering, a technique that utilizes crushed volcanic rock to improve soils and capture atmospheric CO₂. This method is being trialed by farmers across continents, from Australia to Brazil, and the U.S. to India. Enhanced rock weathering accelerates a natural process where volcanic rock traps CO₂, potentially moderating Earth’s temperature over time. The process could help meet climate goals set by the Paris Agreement, with estimates suggesting it could remove up to 215 billion tons of CO₂ over 75 years if widely implemented.
Despite its promise, the method faces challenges such as potential environmental contamination from heavy metals, difficulties in measuring and verifying CO₂ removal, and fears it might detract from other climate priorities. However, proponents argue that enhanced rock weathering is a practical, scalable solution that complements existing agricultural practices and requires less energy and water compared to other carbon capture methods.
Research is ongoing, with some companies already offering carbon credits based on this technique. Governments are beginning to fund enhanced rock weathering projects, and experts emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to climate solutions to achieve net-zero emissions.