"Rock 'Planting' in Farms: A Key Solution for Meeting IPCC's Carbon Removal Goal"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org
Farmers can contribute to achieving a key carbon removal goal set by the IPCC by incorporating crushed volcanic rocks into their fields, according to a new study. This climate intervention strategy, known as enhanced rock weathering, accelerates the natural process of carbon sequestration in carbonate minerals. The study highlights the wet, warm tropics as the most promising locations for this approach. By combining emissions reductions with enhanced rock weathering, farmers can help slow down climate change while also improving soil health and countering ocean acidification. The study estimates that up to 217 gigatons of carbon could be sequestered globally by applying crushed basalt to agricultural fields.