Global warming has reached catastrophic levels, with extreme temperatures becoming more frequent and intense. To mitigate this, it is critical to restore atmospheric CO2 levels to historically safe levels, below 300 parts per million (ppm), as today's levels have risen to an alarming 424 ppm. Achieving this would require the removal of approximately one trillion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2050.

Historical data from glacial periods suggests that nature has successfully removed such large amounts of CO2 before, particularly during ice ages. The "iron hypothesis of ice ages" explains that an increase in iron-rich dust from deserts into the ocean leads to significant CO2 reduction. This natural process hinges on the idea that iron stimulates phytoplankton growth in iron-deficient ocean areas. Phytoplankton, through photosynthesis, absorbs large amounts of CO2, which could help reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

Scientists have attempted to replicate this natural CO2 removal process through a method known as ocean iron fertilization (OIF). This involves the intentional addition of small amounts of iron to the ocean surface to promote phytoplankton blooms. Between 1992 and 2012, 13 OIF field trials were conducted, demonstrating some potential, though the results were inconsistent due to the small scale and short duration of these experiments.

Removing CO2 using photosynthesis in the ocean is sometimes referred to as ocean CRD (ocean carbon dioxide removal) or marine CDR (marine carbon dioxide removal). ocean iron fertilization (OIF) also contributes to the restoration of fisheries, by providing fish with the food they need.

Despite the potential of OIF, no large-scale, long-term trial has yet been conducted. However, the accelerating pace of global warming has renewed interest in this approach, with at least 12 new OIF projects now in development globally.

We are developing an OIF Pilot Project in the Philippines, where conditions are ideal.

As a first step, we are planning an initial test of the measuring equipment off the shores of California. The equipment includes buoys and sensors that collect and transmit data via a satellite network.

We aim to raise $70,000 for the California Buoy Test.

$50,000 was pledged by multiple Rotary clubs in California - we are counting on you to help us match that pledge!

Thank you for your consideration!