The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) is exploring the potential of healthy soil as a primary pathway for long-term carbon sequestration. They are researching the use of finely ground basalt as a soil amendment to neutralize acidic soil and increase crop yields, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and create new revenue streams for farmers through carbon credits. This approach, known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), has the potential to sequester 1.5-2 million tons of CO2 annually in the US Midwest alone, equivalent to the emissions from the aviation sector. The project involves working with farmers, mining companies, and the voluntary carbon market to understand the economic and environmental impacts on local communities. The goal is to create a scalable solution that benefits both the environment and the agricultural industry. FedEx Corporation has committed $100 million to the YCNCC to support this research and is advancing ERW as part of its goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
Unlocking the Potential of the Earth’s Foundation
