Ocean Iron Fertilization: A Potential Climate Change Weapon?
Since the 1990s, scientists have experimented with ocean iron fertilization to stimulate phytoplankton growth and absorb atmospheric CO2. Early experiments showed that adding iron did lead to phytoplankton blooms, with diatoms becoming particularly abundant. These larger algae absorb CO2 more efficiently and sink to the deep ocean, potentially sequestering carbon. However, iron fertilization also carries potential risks, such as harmful algal blooms and alterations to marine ecosystem nutrient allocation. Scientists are now developing new technologies and regulations to comprehensively assess the effectiveness and risks of iron fertilization, exploring it as a potential climate change mitigation tool. Crucially, this doesn't replace the need for immediate and substantial reductions in fossil fuel use.
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