Ocean Climate Change Fix Setback

Recent tests into using “ocean fertilization” to counteract climate change has brought surprising results

Scientists tested the idea of planting iron filings into the ocean, to stimulate the growth of algae, which absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The “Lohafex project” dropped six tonnes of iron into the southern ocean. However initial findings show only a slight increase in the CO2 absorbed.

The problem seems to be that the increase of algae was being eaten copepods, which are then in turn eaten by amphipods, a larger type of crustacean.

Germany’s environment ministry had tried to stop the project, which green campaign groups said was “dangerous”.

Leaders of the German-Indian expedition said they had gained valuable scientific information, but that their results suggested iron fertilization could not have a major impact, at least in that region of the oceans.

Leaders of the German-Indian expedition said they had gained valuable scientific information, but that their results suggested iron fertilization could not have a major impact, at least in that region of the oceans.

Leave a reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website