Ocean Antacid Experiments Signal Hope, Yet Hurdles in Climate Fight

Scientists led by Adam Subhas test ocean alkalinity enhancement by dispersing sodium hydroxide in the Gulf of Maine to raise surface pH and promote CO2 uptake, a potential but uncertain method to counter ocean acidification and remove carbon; while it could help in key regions, it would require massive energy, infrastructure, careful monitoring, and emission reductions, and questions about safety and long-term ecological impacts remain.