[SEMCO] Public Forum: Ocean Fertilization: Ironing Out Uncertainties in Climate Engineering

[Michael Carlowicz]

Public Forum: Ocean Fertilization--Ironing Out Uncertainties in Climate 
Engineering
October 19 - 2:30 p.m. - Redfield Auditorium, Water Street in Woods Hole

Twenty years ago, oceanographer John Martin stood before colleagues in 
Woods Hole and declared: “Give me half a tanker of iron and I’ll give 
you the next ice age.” Researchers and commercial interests have since 
kicked around the idea, proposing to spread dissolved iron into the 
oceans to promote the growth of carbon dioxide-consuming plants and 
offset the rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Iron fertilization has been tested in a dozen experiments with mixed, 
but generally good results. Many scientists remain skeptical, however, 
about whether the process would remove carbon dioxide for the long term 
or just a fleeting time. Ecological impacts from long-term, large-scale 
fertilization are also a concern.

During a public colloquium on Friday, October 19, WHOI scientists will 
discuss the pros and cons of “iron fertilization” and of attempts to 
geo-engineer the oceans. The free event -- which starts at 2:30 p.m. in 
Redfield Auditorium in the Village of Woods Hole -- will include a 
short, formal presentation, followed by a panel discussion and public 
question-and-answer session.

Read more at
http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=7545&tid=282&cid=32626&ct=162

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Michael J Carlowicz   http://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewArticle.do?id=6118
Science Writer and Editor, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mail Stop 54 - Bell House 101 - Woods Hole, MA 02543
Phone: (508) 289-3771       Fax: 508-457-2180
"We shall not cease from exploration / And the end of all our
exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the
place for the first time."  -- T.S. Eliot, from "The Four Quartets"
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