EnhancedRockWeathering(ERW)forAtmosphericCO2

Why It Matters

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations, currently over 420 ppm, are driving climate change, necessitating gigaton-scale removal to meet net-zero targets and avoid catastrophic warming impacts. Widespread ERW could remove billions of tons of CO2 annually, helping stabilize global temperatures and even drawing down legacy emissions, creating a more stable climate for future generations. Farmers could benefit from potential soil improvements (e.g., pH buffering, nutrient release) and new revenue streams, while the mining and rock-crushing industries would see significant growth. Challenges include the vast scale of rock material needed, energy demands for crushing and transport, and ensuring no negative impacts on soil chemistry or water quality. Small-scale commercial projects are emerging now, with significant scaling expected by 2035-2040, driven by carbon credit markets. Countries like the UK, US, and Australia are investing in ERW research and pilot projects. A second-order consequence is the potential for increased demand for mining operations to supply the silicate rock, leading to environmental impacts in mining regions if not managed sustainably.