The Earth’s natural geological weathering cycle – in which rocks erode and make their way to the sea – traps CO2. But that can take millions of years. Scientists want to accelerate the process to sequester more carbon using enhanced rock weathering, or ERW. One technique, applying a mineral called olivine to farmland, helps rocks and soil quickly absorb large amounts of CO2. How quickly? That’s a question that’s flummoxed the ERW industry – until now. Carbon removal company Eion’s patented algorithm studies a soil’s “fingerprint” for trace elements that indicate how much CO2 has been removed. “Hopefully we’re unlocking enhanced rock weathering for many other practitioners,” says Eion co-founder and chief technology officer Elliot Chang.
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