Nova Scotia's company explores ocean-based carbon capture efforts

In Nova Scotia, a company called Planetary Technologies aims to fight climate change by using magnesium oxide to capture carbon dioxide from the air. They pump a mixture of minerals into the ocean, where it is believed that this method can help absorb harmful greenhouse gases. Planetary has received $1 million in backing from Elon Musk's foundation and is competing for a larger prize of $50 million. The company is part of a growing industry focused on ocean-based carbon removal strategies. Other companies are exploring various techniques, including sinking rocks, nutrients, and seaweed into the ocean to lock away carbon dioxide for long periods. While these efforts are gaining attention, they are also causing concern about their environmental impact and whether they can significantly reduce global warming. Planetary sells carbon credits as a way to fund its projects. Each credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. The sales of marine carbon credits have surged from just 2,000 in 2019 to over 340,000 last year. However, critics argue that these initiatives may not be enough to meet the severe climate challenges ahead. They emphasize the need for caution and thorough regulation. Many coastal communities are wary of large-scale carbon removal projects. In North Carolina, a project aimed at dumping olivine near a beach was downsized after local concerns about its potential impact on wildlife. Similarly, other proposed projects have faced opposition from fishermen who worry about how these changes could affect their livelihoods. Scientific understanding of ocean carbon capture is still developing. While some technologies show promise, experts emphasize that the ocean is complex, and changes can be difficult to track. There are lingering questions about how long carbon will remain captured and whether these solutions can be scaled up to meet climate targets effectively. Planetary recently announced it had successfully captured 138 metric tons of carbon, and their efforts are ongoing. Other companies in the industry are also experimenting with various ocean-based techniques. However, the future of ocean carbon capture and its regulation remains uncertain as environmental policies continue to evolve.