A biotechnological expansion of shellfish cultivation could permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Abstract

To combat climate change, proposals have been made to develop methods that would pull carbon dioxide out of Earth's atmosphere. One recommended approach is to remove CO2 from the atmosphere with activities such as reforestation and changing forest management and agricultural practices to enhance soil carbon storage. However, it is also noted that such activities would limit land for food production and negatively affect biodiversity. Furthermore, decay of dead wood and fallen leaves in natural forests releases huge quantities of CO2 and other greenhouse gases back into the atmosphere. The only other carbon-sequestration technique that is widely considered is the application of CO2 capture processes to flue gases of power plants, which are responsible for about 80% of the worldwide CO2 emission from large stationary sources. Hydrate-based processing is a promising technology for CO2 capture as it results in high CO2 recovery, but its high cost prevents this technology having much impact. In this note I suggest that the ability of marine organisms (shellfish and coccolithophore algae) to remove permanently CO2 from the atmosphere into solid (crystalline) CaCO3 should be harnessed. I suggest that if the level of finance and effort that are readily

Planetary bioengineering on Earth to return and maintain the atmospheric carbon dioxide to pre-industrial levels: Assessing potential mechanisms

“…We prefer to suggest as an alternative biotechnology that we employ a proven draw down process to return atmospheric carbon to the neo-fossil state. Change the focus by turning away from photosynthetic organisms (but still plant, restore and conserve them; they are significant to us in so many biological, ecological, social and cultural ways) and concentrate on marine calcifiers for really long-term carbon sequestration (Moore, 2020;Moore, 2021;Moore et al, 2022a).…”

Saving the planet with appropriate biotechnology: 1. Diagnosing the problems

“…So, if expanding the forests and capturing CO2 from flue gases are unlikely to save us, are we doomed? Well, no, actually; we just need to change our focus; turn away from trees (but still plant them; forests are good for us in so many ways) and concentrate on shellfish (Moore, 2020;Moore et al, 2021;.…”

Saving the planet with appropriate biotechnology: 2. Cultivate shellfish to remediate the atmosphere

“…With so many positives, it is remarkable to us that there is so much debate about planting trees and no debate at all about cultivating shellfish for carbon sequestering (Moore, 2020). Two paragraphs in a letter received in 2020 from the Scottish Government's Directorate For Marine Scotland (Marine Planning and Policy) give some rationale for the current situation: '… You rightly say that achieving net zero will require the use of natural carbon sinks for emissions and we must consider all options available, not just forestry, which is why we are also investing in peatland restoration.'…”