Enhanced Rock Weathering in the Global South: Exploring Potential for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Carbon dioxide Drawdown

Full citation:

Boudinot, F. Garrett, Gabrielle Dreyfus, Caitlan Frederick, and Yifan Powers. 2023. “Enhanced Rock Weathering in the Global South: Exploring Potential for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Carbon dioxide Drawdown.” Precision Development. https://precisiondev.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IGSDPxD-ERW-Enhanced-Rock-Weathering-in-the-Global-South-26-02-23-2-2.pdf

Authors:

F. Garrett Boudinot, Gabrielle Dreyfus, Caitlan Frederick, Yifan Powers

Links:

https://precisiondev.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IGSDPxD-ERW-Enhanced-Rock-Weathering-in-the-Global-South-26-02-23-2-2.pdf

Abstract:

Enhanced rock, or silicate, weathering (ERW) is a developing technology which leverages natural mineral weathering to draw carbon from the atmosphere. ERW’s potential for permanent carbon drawdown and agricultural co-benefits makes it an attractive mitigation strategy, particularly in equator and near-equator geographies like the Global South, where there are ideal soil pH, temperature, and moisture conditions for the technology. However, because ERW is a new technology that is still being tested and has yet to be studied in Global South contexts, there remain critical uncertainties around its safety, carbon sequestration potential, probable benefits to farmers, and feasibility. All of these factors must be addressed in order to move the technology forward. This review offers an overview of the challenges and opportunities in deploying ERW through Global South agricultural lands.