Geoengineering The Ocean — What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the concept of geoengineering the ocean as a response to climate change, highlighting both the scientific skepticism and ecological risks involved. It begins by addressing the common dismissal of climate science by some who prioritize economic gain over environmental concerns, often invoking religious justifications for exploiting the Earth. The ocean plays a crucial role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, but this process increases ocean acidity, which harms marine life, particularly crustaceans that rely on calcium to build protective shells. Rapid environmental changes outpace the ability of marine species to adapt, leading to potential mass die-offs. The article references a 2026 study published in Advancing Earth & Space Sciences, which evaluates various ocean-based geoengineering proposals such as photosynthesis enhancement, iron fertilization, and seaweed cultivation. While these methods aim to capture and store carbon, the study notes that much of the carbon eventually returns to the atmosphere as biomass decomposes. Alternative strategies like ocean alkalinity enhancement involve adding alkaline substances to seaw