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Frontier buys $31M worth of antacids for the ocean
Frontier has acquired 115,208 metric tons of carbon removal credits from Planetary for $31.2 million, marking its first deal focused on enhancing ocean alkalinity. This method aims to mitigate ocean acidification, which has increased by 30% since the early 1800s, threatening marine ecosystems. Planetary plans to reduce carbon removal costs to under $100 per metric ton as it scales.
Key points
- Frontier is a carbon removal clearinghouse backed by major companies like Google and Shopify.
- The $31.2 million deal is for 115,208 metric tons of carbon removal credits.
- This is Frontier's first purchase aimed at ocean alkalinity enhancement, rather than traditional air capture methods.
- Ocean alkalinity enhancement could potentially remove over 1 billion metric tons of CO2 annually.
- The ocean's pH has decreased from 8.2 to 8.1 since the industrial revolution, making it 30% more acidic.
- Planetary uses magnesium hydroxide, similar to antacids, to boost ocean alkalinity.
- The company aims to keep costs low by adding alkalinity at sites discharging water into the ocean.
Why it matters
- The ocean has acted as a carbon sink, slowing climate change but facing threats from increased acidity.
- Ocean acidification impacts marine organisms and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.
- Other carbon removal technologies like direct air capture are being explored but often at a higher cost.
- By 2025, enhancing ocean alkalinity is expected to be a key trend in carbon management strategies.
In conclusion, Frontier's investment in Planetary signifies a pivotal shift towards ocean-based carbon removal strategies, addressing both climate change and the health of marine ecosystems, potentially shaping future sustainable practices.