Debate sharpens over fertilizing the oceans to control global warming

C&EN Associate Editor Rachel A. Petkewich explains that in theory, ocean fertilization would remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by spurring the growth of tiny marine plants termed plankton that need CO2 for growth. First proposed years ago, ocean fertilization has taken on new dimensions now that hundreds of start-up companies are preparing to offer ocean-fertilization services, Petkewich says.

Although fertilization can stimulate the growth of plankton and draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide, scientists do not know whether it would be effective in permanently keeping the carbon dioxide sequestered in the oceans. Environmental groups worry about safety aspects, and government agencies are concerned about the lack of laws to regulate ocean fertilization, the article suggests.American Chemical Society