Capturing CO2

Researchers from the

(UCSC), and

(LLNL) have invented a new method for controlling the emission of carbon dioxide from power plants. The technique, which mimics natural weathering processes, converts carbon dioxide gas into soluble compounds that can be disposed of in the sea.

According to the researchers, any strategy for curbing the progress of global warming is likely to include technology that captures and stores carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels that is widely regarded as the leading contributor to global climate change. About one third of US carbon emissions comes from large point sources such as power plants.

"It has become clear to me that in addition to ringing alarm bells about the carbon dioxide problem, Earth scientists need to also think about ways to help solve the problem, beyond just leaving fossil fuels in the ground," said coinventor Gregory Rau, a research scientist with UCSC's Institute of Marine Sciences who also works at LLNL.