Enhanced Weathering Alliance Takes Major Step Forward in Scaling Carbon Removal Efforts

Enhanced Weathering Alliance Ramps Up Coalition Efforts

In a significant move towards advancing climate solutions, the Enhanced Weathering (EW) Alliance has announced plans to substantially increase its coalition activities. This initiative aims to bring together a diverse group of leaders in the field of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) as part of a broader effort to enhance the practice of enhanced weathering.

What is Enhanced Weathering?

Enhanced weathering involves the strategic application of finely ground minerals to land, which accelerates the natural processes by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. This technique has garnered attention as a promising pathway for carbon removal, one that not only helps mitigate climate change but also enhances agricultural productivity. By leveraging existing agricultural practices and infrastructure, enhanced weathering can potentially be scaled up rapidly, offering co-benefits for soil health, oceans, and waterways. This contributes to not just environmental sustainability but also food security, an increasingly pressing issue as global populations rise.

Coalition Formation and Goals

The Enhanced Weathering Alliance, which was initially established in 2024, has expanded its mission to unify scientific, policy, and industry sectors to properly scale enhanced weathering initiatives. Convened by the Carbon Business Council, this coalition is composed of notable organizations and companies in the field, including Alt Carbon, Carbonfuture, and Microsoft, among others. Together, they seek to focus on four main objectives:

1. Policy Engagement: The coalition is actively promoting enhanced weathering's recognition as an approved methodology within the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF). A recent policy brief published during the European Commission's workshop on this topic illustrates the growing momentum behind enhanced weathering and its potential regulatory acceptance.

2. Building Transparent Markets: A primary goal is to create clear and credible pathways for verified EW credits, ensuring that those looking for high-quality carbon removal solutions can find trustworthy options.

3. Educating Stakeholders: There is a concerted effort to raise awareness about the scientific principles that underpin enhanced weathering, as well as its scalability, safety, and potential environmental and agricultural advantages.

4. Collaborative Growth: As stated by Ben Rubin, Executive Director of the Carbon Business Council, enhanced weathering has the potential to deliver substantial benefits for the climate while adding genuine value for farmers. He also recognized the crucial role of early buyers in establishing enhanced rock weathering as a credible solution for durable carbon removal.

The Road Ahead

However, scaling this solution will necessitate close collaboration across closely regulated sectors, including agriculture and low-carbon fuel industries. Achieving this will require the establishment of clear policy frameworks that can guide the growth of enhanced weathering initiatives. According to Adam Wolf, a co-founder of Eion, the collective efforts through the Enhanced Weathering Alliance aim to lay a solid foundation for this promising path forward.

The Enhanced Weathering Alliance forms part of the Carbon Business Council's larger initiative to enhance carbon removal technologies across various environments, including land, air, rock, and water. By fostering deeper collaborations and reinforcing the sector's collective strength, the coalition seeks to build a more effective and unified ecosystem dedicated to combating climate change.

About the Enhanced Weathering Alliance

This coalition is dedicated to the advancement of enhanced weathering as a solution to tackle atmospheric carbon dioxide. By focusing on permanent carbon sequestration methods, the Enhanced Weathering Alliance aims not only to contribute to climate action but also to enhance agricultural resilience.

About the Carbon Business Council

The Carbon Business Council represents over 100 carbon management firms spanning all major pathways, working towards a more resilient and prosperous planet through collaborative market development and policy engagement.