Introduction:
Scientists are exploring innovative methods to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to combat climate change. One promising approach involves leveraging the ocean’s natural ability to absorb CO2 by extracting the greenhouse gas from seawater.
The Ocean’s Role in Carbon Absorption:
The world’s oceans act as a massive carbon sink, offsetting roughly 25% of human-generated CO2 emissions each year. However, ocean acidification and rising temperatures are diminishing the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2.
Captura’s Innovative Solution:
Captura, a startup founded by California Institute of Technology engineers, has developed a process to restore the ocean’s carbon drawdown capability. The company’s technology functions similarly to a desalination plant, using electricity to divide a small portion of ocean water into acidic and alkaline components.
The CO2 Removal Process:
- The acidic component is added to the remaining ocean water, causing CO2 to bubble out into storage tanks.
- The alkaline component is then reintroduced to neutralize the acidity before returning the water to the ocean.
- The treated water is ready to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere.
The Growing Industry of Ocean-Based CO2 Removal:
Captura is part of a growing group of companies aiming to harness the ocean’s natural ability to concentrate CO2. These firms are attracting substantial funding and securing contracts to offset emissions for major companies.
The Need for Carbon Removal:
Climate science experts believe that removing large quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere is necessary to avoid runaway climate change. Ocean-based CO2 removal companies are working to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Advantages of Ocean-Based CO2 Removal:
- Higher efficiency in removing CO2 from the ocean compared to capturing it from the air
- No requirement for land use
- Potential for integration with existing water-processing facilities and offshore wind energy
- Reduced overall costs by leveraging the ocean’s natural carbon-absorbing capabilities
Conclusion:
Ocean-based CO2 removal offers hope for a cooler future by harnessing the ocean’s natural ability to absorb CO2. Companies like Captura are developing efficient methods to remove greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, potentially playing a vital role in the fight against climate change.
