Unlocking the Ocean’s Potential: Can Ocean Dumping Really Capture Carbon and Combat Climate Change?

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, a company called Planetary Technologies is on a quest to fight climate change. They’re doing something quite surprising: they’re sending a mix of water and magnesium oxide into the ocean. This white, powdery substance is usually found in construction materials and heartburn medications. Planetary hopes it will soak up carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming.

Their motto, “Restore the climate. Heal the ocean,” speaks to their mission. Supported by funding from Elon Musk’s foundation, Planetary is part of a new wave of companies and researchers trying to use the ocean to capture carbon emissions. They join dozens of others exploring creative solutions like sinking rocks or growing marine plants to lock away carbon dioxide for good.

However, not everyone is on board with these ideas. Critics warn that we are moving too fast without understanding the potential risks to marine ecosystems. Adina Paytan, an earth and ocean science professor, describes the situation as “the Wild West,” where many are eager to take action without proper oversight.

Businesses like Planetary sell carbon credits—essentially a way to offset carbon emissions. This market is largely unregulated and has seen rapid growth; last year alone, over 340,000 marine carbon credits were sold, compared to just 2,000 four years ago. Still, this amount is a drop in the bucket compared to what experts believe is necessary to combat climate change.

Recent research from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes that simply cutting emissions isn’t enough. We must also actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean, which naturally absorbs heat and carbon, seems like a promising solution. Adam Subhas, who leads a project with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, poses an important question: can we utilize the vastness of the ocean to mitigate climate change?

At Planetary’s testing site near Halifax Harbour, engineers are hopeful. By dissolving magnesium oxide into seawater, they aim to transform carbon dioxide gas into stable compounds that won’t re-enter the atmosphere for thousands of years. Other startups, like Gigablue, are focusing on growing algae and seaweed to absorb carbon similarly to how trees work on land.

But scaling these projects presents major challenges. For example, a recent attempt by the company Vesta to dump olivine, a green mineral, near North Carolina sparked concerns among environmental agencies. They worried it could harm local marine life. Vesta responded by downsizing the plan and committing to more rigorous monitoring.

Opposition has also arisen from fishing communities. Fisherman Jerry Leeman III raised concerns about potential impacts on eggs and hatchlings in areas targeted for carbon capture projects. “What happens to the lobster and flounder eggs if they are suddenly doused with chemicals?” he questions.

Despite resistance, the industry is not slowing down. Planetary recently reported that it captured 138 metric tons of carbon, allowing it to sell that amount in carbon credits to investors like Shopify and Stripe. However, experts caution that these methods are not without risks and could potentially harm ocean life if not monitored closely.

Katja Fennel, a professor at Dalhousie University, is working on tracking Planetary’s efforts in Halifax. Stakes are high, as scientists say billions of tons of carbon dioxide must be removed annually to meet climate targets set during the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Looking ahead, the future of these ocean-based solutions remains uncertain. The industry’s growth and acceptance will depend on proven research, transparent practices, and community engagement. “We can’t just keep studying the problem,” says Planetary’s Burt. “We need to act.”

The quest to balance innovation with environmental safety is ongoing. As the world grapples with rapid climate change, the ocean may hold answers—if we learn to harness its power responsibly.

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