Rocking the Climate: A Breakthrough in Carbon Removal

The world is on the verge of a major breakthrough in the fight against climate change. Microsoft, one of the largest tech giants, has partnered with UNDO, a company specializing in enhanced rock weathering (ERW), to remove 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The deal is a significant step towards a carbon-neutral future and will have a profound impact on the Kingston area. ERW is a process that accelerates natural rock weathering, where the carbon dioxide in rainwater interacts with silicate rocks to form solid carbon. UNDO spreads crushed silicate rock across agricultural land, speeding up the chemical reactions between rain, air, and rocks, and permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The partnership will fund the spread of 25,000 tonnes of crushed wollastonite rock over 5,000 hectares of Canadian farmland, permanently removing thousands of tonnes of atmospheric CO2. Wollastonite, a calcium silicate, is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Its needle-like shape adds strength to anything it is mixed into, allowing for the manufacture of lighter, thinner products. The needle-shaped crystals are also proven to be effective as a natural pesticide in controlling grubs and slugs in crops, lawns, and gardens. The deal will not only benefit the environment but also the farming community. Canadian Wollastonite, a local mining company, will provide the crushed rock to local farmers free of charge. This will bring agronomic advantages such as improved soil pH, crop health, and pest resistance. The Government of Canada has committed to net zero emissions by 2050, and this deal is a significant step towards achieving that goal. The partnership between Microsoft and UNDO will also contribute to the country's goal of attracting more than 70 carbon dioxide removal (CDR) companies.