A controversial technique aimed at combating climate change is making a comeback. Ocean iron fertilization (OIF), a method involving the intentional addition of iron to the ocean to stimulate phytoplankton growth and carbon capture, has been met with public backlash in the past. However, a group of scientists are proposing a new research plan to test its potential.
They argue that OIF could be a cost-effective, scalable, and rapid way to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean has an immense capacity to store carbon, exceeding that of the atmosphere and land-based plants and soils combined. By enhancing the ocean’s natural carbon storage capabilities, scientists believe OIF could play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
The Exploring Ocean Iron Solutions (ExOIS) program is leading this effort. They plan to conduct trials across 10,000 square kilometers of the northeast Pacific Ocean as early as 2026. The project requires significant funding, with ExOIS aiming to raise $160 million. They have already secured a $2 million grant from the US’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for computer modeling and are seeking permission from the US Environmental Protection Agency to conduct their trials.
OIF works by introducing small amounts of iron to the ocean surface, acting as a fertilizer for phytoplankton. These microscopic marine plants, through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When they die or are consumed by other marine life, some of this carbon is sequestered in the ocean, potentially for centuries.
While iron naturally enters the ocean from sources like windblown dust and volcanic ash, OIF aims to accelerate this process. The technique has been tested in numerous experiments since the 1990s, but faced significant opposition due to concerns about unintended consequences for marine ecosystems. In 2013, the London Protocol, a global ocean pollution treaty, banned OIF for commercial purposes following public backlash.
Critics argue that OIF could lead to ‘dead zones’ where phytoplankton consume all the available oxygen, suffocating other marine life. They also worry that phytoplankton blooms could deplete nutrients essential for other organisms.
Despite the controversy, ExOIS emphasizes the need for larger and longer field studies to fill knowledge gaps and determine the viability of OIF. They argue that their proposed trials will involve detailed monitoring and advanced computer modeling to assess potential impacts.
However, the potential risks and uncertainties associated with OIF remain a point of contention. The scientific community acknowledges that more research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of this technique.
ExOIS recognizes the importance of public engagement and transparency in their research. They emphasize the need to involve diverse stakeholders, including communities historically excluded from ocean management decisions, in discussions about the responsible implementation of OIF.
The future of OIF remains uncertain. As research continues, the scientific community, policymakers, and the public will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties before deciding whether this controversial technique can play a role in mitigating climate change.
