on the move

Last week it was reported that there was some research indicating that the release of iron sulfate into the ocean could trap some carbon dioxide.  

As a result, a group of scientists wanted to dump large amounts of iron sulfate in the coeans off the Antarctic, as an experiment, to see if the theory could be proven.  Many warned that this should not be done in haste, as there was not enough evidence of the affect to the surrounding areas.

It seems that the warnings have gone unnoticed, because a ship from Germany is currently headed to the region to dump its contents, according to Nature News.  This has raised much concern.  No one knows who “approved” this mission and some feel it violates international law.  The United Nations put a moratorium on such experiments until more data was gathered of the potential consequences.

The body recommended that until a “global, transparent and effective control and regulatory mechanism is in place for these activities”, only small-scale scientific studies in coastal waters should be exempted.

Which is why the approval of this is such a surprise.  Another criticism for why this may have undergone fast approval: American companies interested in using this as a way to sell carbon offsets.

Companies in America and Australia are looking at this experiment very closely to see if it can be used as a way to sell offsets to the citizenry.  Offsets are controversial as they are seen as ways to continue to live a gluttonous lifestyle, without the guilt.  But companies that sell offsets are under investigation to see if they actually do what they promise.

This is a topic that will be on our radar for the days to come.