23 Jun 2026 07:00
#166: How Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Removes Carbon from our Oceans with Planetary Technologies
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Michael Kelland, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetary Technologies, about whether the ocean could play a much larger role in helping remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For decades, the ocean has served as one of Earth's largest carbon sinks, absorbing roughly a quarter of human-generated CO2 emissions. But that service comes at a cost: ocean acidification, which threatens coral reefs, shellfish, and marine ecosystems worldwide. Michael explains how Planetary Technologies is using a climate solution known as coastal seawater restoration, also called ocean alkalinity enhancement, to restore ocean chemistry, increase the ocean's natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and provide long-term carbon removal. The conversation explores how ocean carbon removal works, the science behind ocean alkalinity enhancement, the challenges of measuring and verifying carbon removal, and what it will take to scale climate technologies that can help the world reach net-zero emissions.
Key Points:
- The ocean is already one of the world's largest carbon removal systems – The ocean naturally absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but growing CO2 levels are increasing ocean acidification and putting stress on marine ecosystems.
- Ocean alkalinity enhancement helps restore seawater chemistry – By adding alkaline minerals to seawater, Planetary Technologies aims to increase the ocean's capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide while helping counter the effects of acidification.
- Ocean carbon removal could help address hard-to-decarbonize sectors – Industries such as aviation may continue producing some emissions even in a net-zero future, creating a need for durable carbon removal solutions that can offset emissions that are difficult or expensive to eliminate.
- Mike Kelland, CEO and co-founder of Planetary Technologies, LinkedIn
- Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications
🚀 Calling all Earthlings…
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