The urgent need to combat climate change has brought various carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies to the forefront, with terrestrial enhanced weathering (EW) emerging as a promising solution. This technique involves the application of finely crushed base cation-rich rocks, particularly basalt, to agricultural soils. By chemically and physically interacting with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, enhanced weathering aims to sequester significant amounts of CO2 while simultaneously improving soil health. With over a quarter of a billion dollars invested by various start-ups and venture capitalists globally, EW is poised for substantial deployment on agricultural lands worldwide.
At the core of enhanced weathering lies a well-understood geological principle: silicate minerals, upon exposure to CO2-rich environments, react to form stable carbonates. This geological process, which naturally occurs over thousands of years, can be expedited through human intervention, effectively creating a bridge between rock weathering and climate stabilization. This acceleration of natural processes is not merely hypothetical; rather, it holds the potential to realize a global CDR capacity of approximately 0.5 to 2 gigatons of CO2 per year by the year 2050. Such a realization would significantly contribute to global efforts aimed at curbing the rise of atmospheric CO2 levels, thus battling the detrimental effects of climate change.
While the potential of EW is immense, its successful implementation hinges on the understanding of various scientific and regulatory frameworks. A critical aspect that researchers emphasize is the tracking of carbon as it transitions from the agricultural soils—often referred to as the “cradle”—to the oceans, where it ultimately contributes to the “grave” of carbon storage. This transfer and the accompanying lag times in the efficacy of CDR processes must be meticulously quantified. An effective framework for monitoring, reporting, and verifying carbon removal achievements is essential for assessing the performance of enhanced weathering initiatives and ensuring accountability among stakeholders.
Furthermore, to fully harness enhanced weathering’s advantages, policy initiatives must encourage responsible deployment strategies while ensuring that the concerns of local agricultural communities are addressed. Building trust and support within these communities is vital, as they are integral to the implementation and success of EW technologies. Policymakers are tasked with creating incentives that promote sustainable practices, ensuring that agricultural stakeholders perceive EW not merely as a burdensome regulation but as a beneficial partnership aimed at climate goals and soil health.
Technical challenges remain, notably the high upfront costs associated with the processing and transportation of rock materials to rural areas. Agronomists highlight the importance of developing cost-effective methodologies that can streamline these logistics. In addition, there is an evident need for a consistent framework for issuing carbon credits related to enhanced weathering practices, which is essential for improving market participation and attracting further investment. Without a standardized approach, potential investors may remain hesitant, hindering the scaling efforts necessary for widespread adoption of EW.
Lifecycle carbon emissions from the transportation and application of these materials also present a challenge. Researchers argue for the careful assessment of the entire lifecycle of enhanced weathering practices to ensure that emissions do not offset the intended climate benefits. This necessitates comprehensive research into the economic viability and environmental impacts of using crushed basalt and other base cation minerals in various climates and soil types. It’s imperative for scientists to establish long-term field trials that can monitor the effects of enhanced weathering over a decade or more, providing vital data that could refine methodologies and improve outcomes.
Interest in combining enhanced weathering with other CDR technologies continues to grow. By integrating different methods, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or direct air capture, researchers can explore synergies that may enhance the overall efficacy of carbon removal. Such an interdisciplinary approach could potentially leverage the strengths of diverse technologies, dovetailing their solutions to create more effective and holistic carbon management strategies.
As we gaze into the future of agricultural practices amidst a climate crisis, enhanced weathering stands out not only as a scientific advancement but also as a hopeful glimpse of sustainable land use. By transforming agricultural lands into carbon sinks, we can create a win-win situation—enhancing soil fertility and productivity while simultaneously drawing down atmospheric CO2 levels.
Public acceptance of enhanced weathering will be crucial for its success. Advocacy for community engagement and education on the benefits of these practices may alleviate concerns regarding their implementation. Empowering farmers with knowledge about how enhanced weathering can lead to healthier soils and increased yields will encourage community buy-in. The narrative built around EW must emphasize its dual benefits for climate mitigation and agricultural productivity, creating a vision that resonates with stakeholders at all levels.
In conclusion, the scaling of enhanced weathering as a viable CDR technology is filled with both challenges and opportunities. As scientific understanding deepens and policy frameworks evolve, enhanced weathering has the potential to play a pivotal role in the broader strategy for combatting climate change. Its success hinges on a collective effort—from scientists and policymakers to farmers and investors—to create an ecosystem that supports the responsible deployment of this promising technology. Through collaborative research, investment, and community engagement, we can unlock the true potential of enhanced weathering, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
As enhanced weathering continues to gain traction, its trajectory will undoubtedly be shaped by ongoing studies that highlight its effectiveness and potential impacts on ecosystems and carbon cycling. The time is ripe for concerted action in research and policy development, ensuring that enhanced weathering not only meets the ambitious CDR targets set forth by climate agreements but also benefits the health of our planet for generations to come.
By fostering a coherent narrative around enhanced weathering—grounded in scientific rigor and community engagement—society can rally behind this innovative approach to tackling carbon emissions. The convergence of economic incentives, agricultural productivity, and climate goals could provide a roadmap for a sustainable future that harmonizes human activities with the natural systems of our planet.
Subject of Research: Terrestrial Enhanced Weathering as a Carbon Dioxide Removal Technology
Article Title: Challenges and opportunities in scaling enhanced weathering for carbon dioxide removal
Article References:
Beerling, D.J., Reinhard, C.T., James, R.H. et al. Challenges and opportunities in scaling enhanced weathering for carbon dioxide removal. Nat Rev Earth Environ 6, 672–686 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-025-00713-7
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1038/s43017-025-00713-7
Keywords: Carbon Dioxide Removal, Enhanced Weathering, Climate Change, Agricultural Lands, Basalt, Monitoring and Verification, Carbon Credits, Sustainable Practices.
