Dalhousie ocean researchers receive $15 million for CO2 absorption study
A Dalhousie University-led team of researchers has received nearly $15 million dollars to explore whether the oceans can absorb more carbon dioxide, and if it’s possible to safely speed up the ocean’s absorbing process.
“I think we’re at a really critical phase now in this fight against global warming. Now it’s make or break,” said Katja Fennel, lead researcher and chair of Dalhousie’s department of oceanography.
“And having this opportunity to pursue whether this option is viable in helping mitigate the effects is really exciting. It’s also humbling.”
The key question that researchers from North America, Australia and Europe are exploring is whether adding alkaline to the ocean could enhance its ability to take in more CO2.
The process of alkalinity enhancement is similar to adding an antacid to the ocean — the kind people take for heartburn.
At this point, Fennel said it’s not a mature technology.
But if it works, it has the potential to help oceans absorb more carbon and reduce its acidity — which could benefit ocean life.
“It’s a very promising method and principal but at this point, it’s not really more than an exciting idea,” Fennel said, adding that the research team will look into the efficiency and efficacy of CO2 removal, as well as the risks and benefits.
“It could help remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it permanently and safely in the ocean,” said Fennel.
“It’s a way to help mitigate global warming but I also feel I have to emphasize it’s not a get out of jail free card by any means.”
The funding comes from the Carbon to Sea Initiative, a non-profit aiming to assess if ocean alkalinity enhancement is a safe and scalable way to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Fennel’s team is working with researchers around the world and is collaborating with local start-ups, such as Planetary Technologies.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A passing comet could shine as bright as Venus. Here are the best viewing times
This eye-catching celestial event is around the corner and will appear in the skies this fall.
Mortgage loan rules are changing in Canada
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced changes to mortgage rules she says are aimed at helping more Canadians to purchase their first home.
Body recovered from B.C. lake after unclothed man leads investigators to crash site
Mounties are investigating a fatal crash north of Whistler, B.C., after an unclothed man who was found along the side of the road led police to a pickup truck submerged in a lake with one occupant still inside.
A pipeline explosion is shooting a towering pillar of flame over a Houston suburb
A massive pipeline fire shooting a towering pillar of flame for hours over suburban Houston on Monday as first responders evacuated a surrounding neighborhood and tried to keep more nearby homes from catching fire.
Man suspected in apparent assassination attempt on Trump charged with federal gun crimes
Ryan Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump -- even urging Iran to kill him.
Jane's Addiction cancels tour in the wake of an onstage fight
The alternative rock band Jane's Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
Manitoba NDP MLA booted from caucus due to business partner acting as Peter Nygard's lawyer
Manitoba’s NDP government has removed Mark Wasyliw, MLA for Fort Garry, from the party’s caucus after the party discovered his business partner is working as Peter Nygard’s criminal defense lawyer.
Former military leader Haydn Edmundson found not guilty of sexual assault
Former vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson has been found not guilty of sexual assault and committing an indecent act, concluding a trial that began in February.