Google-Backed Coalition Aims to Scale Ocean Rock Carbon Removals

A coalition backed by Google and other major companies is working to scale up a technology that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in rocks, in an effort to combat climate change. The technology, known as ocean rock carbon removal, involves collecting rocks from the ocean floor and using them to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The coalition, which includes companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Stripe, aims to remove 1 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2025. The technology has been shown to be effective in small-scale trials, but scaling it up to meet the coalition’s ambitious targets will require significant investment and innovation. The coalition plans to achieve this through a combination of research and development, investment in new technologies, and partnerships with governments and other organizations. One of the key challenges facing the coalition is the high cost of collecting and processing the rocks, which can be up to 10 times more expensive than traditional carbon capture methods. However, the coalition believes that the long-term benefits of the technology, including its potential to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and store it for thousands of years, make it a worthwhile investment. The coalition is also working to develop new technologies that can reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of the process. For example, researchers are exploring the use of autonomous underwater vehicles to collect rocks from the ocean floor, which could significantly reduce the cost of the process. Additionally, the coalition is working to develop new methods for processing the rocks, such as using machine learning algorithms to optimize the absorption of CO2. The coalition’s efforts are part of a growing trend towards carbon removal technologies, which are seen as a crucial component of efforts to combat climate change. While traditional carbon capture methods focus on reducing emissions from power plants and industrial processes, carbon removal technologies aim to remove CO2 that is already in the atmosphere. The coalition’s work on ocean rock carbon removal is just one example of the many different approaches being explored, including afforestation, soil carbon sequestration, and direct air capture. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding carbon removal technologies, the coalition remains optimistic about its potential to make a significant impact on the climate crisis. With the support of major companies like Google and Microsoft, the coalition is well-positioned to drive innovation and investment in the field. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the work of the coalition and other organizations working on carbon removal technologies will be closely watched. The success of these efforts will depend on a combination of technological innovation, investment, and policy support, but the potential rewards are significant. If successful, carbon removal technologies could play a major role in reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.

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