Science research

Using seawater to reduce our carbon footprint

By 2023-03-24T08:14:00

A large fossil fuel-powered shipping container on the ocean

Source: © Suphanat Khumsap/EyeEm/Getty Images

Ocean carbon capture system offers a new way to tackle rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels

Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from seawater to address climate change could be more efficient than existing systems that capture CO2 from ambient air. Oceans and other surface waters act as large carbon sinks and have absorbed 30% to 40% of CO2 emissions from human activities since the industrial revolution began. Find out about the chemistry behind this new ocean capture system and it’s potential role in mitigating rising CO2 levels. Download this story and the summary slide for secondary school ages 14–16 to give a new context for your lessons on atmosphere and reducing carbon footprint. 

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