Global Warming

A new study has shown that dumping iron into the oceans can alleviate global warming.

The introduction of iron into the ocean has the effect of fertilising algae which prompts blooms of algae and phytoplankton. The fast growing algae absorbs relatively large quantities of carbon dioxide. When the algae dies, it sinks to the bottom of the ocean, taking the carbon with it - thereby removing the carbon from the atmosphere.

The value of such geoengineering remains in question. Iron fertilization of the oceans could at most remove about 1 gigatonne of CO₂ per year compared to annual emissions of 8-9Gt.

More research concerning the possible long term effects on the ocean environment of dumping huge quantities of iron needs to be done.