Google and Other Major Firms Partner with Terradot to Tackle Atmospheric CO2
In an effort to mitigate the effects of their pollution on the climate, Google and other leading companies have invested in a plan to trap carbon dioxide using rocks. This initiative has recently gained momentum with multimillion-dollar deals being brokered by Frontier, a carbon removal endeavor led by Stripe, Google, Shopify, and McKinsey Sustainability.
Terradot: The Startup at the Forefront of Enhanced Rock Weathering
At the heart of this movement is Terradot, a startup backed by Sheryl Sandberg that has secured significant funding from prominent companies like Google, H&M Group, and Salesforce. These deals collectively amount to $27 million to remove 90,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Google’s Commitment to Carbon Removal
Separately, Google announced its own agreement with Terradot to purchase an additional 200,000 tons of carbon removal, although the company declined to disclose the financial terms of this deal. If the cost is similar to the Frontier agreement – approximately $300 per ton of CO2 captured – it could translate to a significant investment of $60 million.
Enhanced Rock Weathering: A Low-Tech Approach to Carbon Dioxide Removal
Terradot’s strategy, known as enhanced rock weathering (ERW), leverages the natural process of rainfall breaking down rocks to release calcium and magnesium. This reaction traps CO2 in water as bicarbonate, which eventually makes its way to the ocean, sequestering the carbon.
Accelerating the Weathering Process
By crushing rocks and spreading them out over a large area, Terradot aims to increase the surface area exposed to rainfall, thus accelerating the weathering process. This approach is expected to help capture an additional 200,000 tons of CO2 for Google by the early 2030s.
A Collaboration with Brazil’s Agricultural Research Agency
Terradot has partnered with EMBRAPA, Brazil’s agricultural research agency, allowing the startup to utilize its strategy on over one million hectares (approximately 2.47 million acres) of land. This partnership not only facilitates carbon removal but also helps farmers manage soil pH levels.
Challenges in Measuring Carbon Capture
While Terradot has made significant strides in developing a low-tech approach to carbon dioxide removal, there are still concerns regarding the accuracy of measuring CO2 capture. Google acknowledges this challenge, stating that "it’s hard to measure with precision how much CO2 this process removes from the atmosphere."
The Role of Measurement Tools
To develop more rigorous measurement tools, Terradot plans to deploy its approach widely in the real world. This will enable the company to assess CO2 capture based on rock degradation over time and potentially identify factors that limit carbon sequestration.
Expert Insights: Why We Must Try
Dr. Jagoutz, a geologist at Harvard University, emphasizes the importance of exploring new approaches to carbon dioxide removal despite uncertainties surrounding measurement tools. "Why not try? I don’t think we have the luxury to overthink it right now."
The Limitations of Carbon Removal
While Google’s commitment to carbon removal is commendable, experts emphasize that this approach is merely a supplement to emissions reductions. As Dr. Kanoff notes, "it’s very clear that this is not a substitute for emissions reductions at all … we need both of these tools."
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Emissions Reductions
The ongoing efforts by Google and other companies to invest in carbon dioxide removal serve as a testament to the growing recognition of climate pollution’s devastating consequences. However, it remains crucial that these initiatives are complemented by aggressive emissions reduction strategies and the development of clean energy technologies.
Related Developments: Google’s Transition to Clean Energy
In related news, Google has announced plans to develop advanced nuclear reactors and new solar and wind farms to power its data centers with carbon pollution-free electricity. This commitment to clean energy is a significant step towards mitigating climate change, but it underscores the urgent need for companies like Google to prioritize emissions reductions alongside carbon removal efforts.
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