– Community Pushback Leads to Cancellation of Ocean Alkalinity Experiment
– Concerns Over Marine Ecosystem Impact Stop Geoengineering Trial
– Transparency Issues and Environmental Risks Undermine Carbon Capture Initiative
Planetary Technologies, a Canadian firm, has ceased its carbon capture trial in St. Ives Bay, Cornwall, following significant community opposition. The project involved dispersing magnesium hydroxide into the ocean to enhance alkalinity and sequester carbon dioxide. Despite claims of environmental benefits, local residents and environmental groups raised concerns about potential risks to marine life and a lack of transparency.
The initiative, funded by the UK government and a prize from Elon Musk, faced criticism for its experimental approach and ethical considerations. Community leaders highlighted the project’s inadequate design and the company’s insufficient understanding of the local marine ecosystem. This case adds to a growing list of geoengineering projects halted due to public and environmental scrutiny.
