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> but I got told in no uncertain words not to do it by some scientists who contribute to those IPCC reports. What was the rationale? I understand to not dump
by credit_guy 4y ago
> but I got told in no uncertain words not to do it by some scientists who contribute to those IPCC reports.
What was the rationale?
I understand to not dump a million tons of iron in the ocean at once, but what's the harm in first dumping 100 kg, then seeing the results, drawing conclusions, and deciding to go to 1 ton, or to stop? If 100 kg is considered too much, then maybe 10 kg is ok, no?
- PaulHoule 4y agoA major reason is that iron fertilization might simply be borrowing ecological production from the near future. "Renting a boat" is also a bit of a simplification of what is required. The first time people tried iron fertilization they were unlucky and had a current suck the iron deep into the ocean right away and it had no effect. To do an ocean fertilization experiment you need a whole flotilla because you need to track where the iron goes. The amount that it takes get effects you can notice is in the 10 ton - 100 ton range https://www.nature.com/articles/545393a https://www.nature.com/articles/545393a