Spreading crushed rock on farms could have a big effect on emissions.

The article focuses on enhanced rock weathering, a carbon removal technique involving spreading crushed silicate rocks on agricultural fields to accelerate natural CO2 absorption processes. An analysis estimates this method could remove up to 1.1 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2100 while boosting crop yields, though some experts highlight uncertainties such as variable weather conditions and potential emissions from mining and transport. The technique’s effectiveness is expected to grow globally, especially in warmer, wetter regions like Asia, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, a separate ocean-based trial demonstrated that adding alkaline substances can remove CO2 by counteracting ocean acidification without harming marine life, potentially locking carbon away for millennia. [Extracted from the article]