Tiny solution for climate change shown to be a big waste of money

COULD the tiny plankton that spends its days bobbing in the chill waters of the Southern Ocean hold the key to solving climate change? Actually, no.

Tiny solution for climate change shown to be a big waste of money Artplankton4620x349

New research from Sydney University appears to have scotched ambitious plans to fertilise the ocean and spawn huge plankton blooms.

The theory was that by scattering iron dust from boats, plankton would multiply and suck up carbon dioxide from the air before carrying it down to the ocean depths, where it can no longer contribute to global warming.

It has led to some bold experiments such as that carried out in July by Californian businessman Russ George.
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Mr George - a former chief executive of a company that promoted geoengineering technology - dumped 100 tonnes of iron sulfate off the coast of Canada and apparently created an algal bloom of up to 10,000 square kilometres. The experiment was condemned by environmental groups, which dubbed Mr George a ''rogue geoengineer'', and lawyers who alleged it had breached international conventions.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/tiny-solution-for-climate-change-shown-to-be-a-big-waste-of-money-20121216-2bhkw.html#ixzz2FGPxPjz6

Tiny solution for climate change shown to be a big waste of money

Tiny solution for climate change shown to be a big waste of money

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