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
29 April 2025
Spain’s unprecedented blackout highlighted the risk for green hydrogen producers with exposure to Europe’s creaking power grids
24 April 2025
Liverpool Bay project on track for 2028 startup as Italian energy company reaches financial close with government for CO₂ transport and storage network
21 April 2025
Agreement on a two-tier emissions trading scheme does not go far enough to meet IMO GHG reduction targets, say observers
11 April 2025
As the global economy grows, demand for materials is expected to increase. The way materials are made could incorporate new technologies in the future to ensure economic growth is more sustainable