Letter on carbon: Weathering the CO₂ storm
Policymakers should consider backing enhanced weathering as a CDR technique with benefits to the agricultural sector
The carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector is a hotbed of innovation. Research into engineered and nature-based techniques is gathering momentum as developers eye the potential to generate carbon credits and governments widen their search for ways to meet their net-zero commitments. One of the CDR techniques making an increasingly convincing case for private sector and government backing is enhanced weathering (EW). In most cases, the process works as follows: pulverised rock dust is spread on large areas of agricultural land, which is then rained on. Rainwater contains atmospheric carbon dioxide, and when water is put together with carbon dioxide this forms carbonic acid and free protons. The

Also in this section
7 February 2025
Norwegian energy company slashes spending on low-carbon sectors as transition decelerates
30 January 2025
The UAE’s oil and gas company puts its faith in technologies including CCS and AI to deliver its emission-reduction goals
27 January 2025
Regional state-owned firms are transforming their strategies and leveraging their resources to position themselves as clean energy powerhouses, and to ensure they maintain influence in a low-carbon world
24 January 2025
Progress on the energy transition has slowed or even stopped, with greater societal engagement we can revitalise it