AcceleratedSilicateWeatheringforCarbonRemoval

Why It Matters

Climate change poses an existential threat, with CO2 emissions driving extreme weather events and sea-level rise, impacting billions and costing trillions, demanding scalable carbon removal solutions. If mainstream, enhanced weathering could transform agricultural practices and coastal management, turning farms into carbon sinks and strengthening ocean health. Farmers and land managers could gain new revenue streams from carbon credits, while industries reliant on large-scale mining and transport would see increased demand. Challenges include the energy required for rock crushing and transport, potential ecological impacts of widespread mineral application, and accurate monitoring of carbon sequestration. Initial deployments are expected in 5-10 years, with significant global impact in 20-50 years. Countries with vast mineral resources like Canada and Australia, and agricultural powerhouses like the US, are keen on this technology. An underappreciated consequence is the potential for widespread soil enrichment and improved crop yields from mineral amendments.