Kirstybooth’s Blog

Who would have thought that the answer to all of our carbon dioxide issues would lie with limestone? After an hour with Chris Unitt, the developer of Cquestrate’s website, the advantages and potential draw backs of this seemingly obvious project became clear.

So, the idea is that lime stone (which is available in vaste amounts) is broken down and put into the ocean where it absorbs carbon dioxide. The process that takes place when the limestone is broken down does produce carbon dioxide, however, once this is complete the limestone should absorb twice the amount it produced. This idea is not a preventative, it is a process that will recduce the excessive amounts of carbon dioxide that have polluted the atmosphere for many years. Simple and magic as it sounds, this inspiring project is not without its drawbacks and questions. It’s my turn to play devils advocat and suggest some of these….

1. Putting large amounts of limestone into the oceans is bound to have an effect on marine life and its habitat, isn’t it?

2. How are you going to gain the limestone you need, without disrupting people’s lives and the envirmonment?

3. Will limestone cause an lasting damage to our oceans?

4. I am aware that Shell are funding the research of this project but wil they be funding the project itself?

5. If people are aware that there is something to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide will this discourage them from becoming more energy efficent?

The pros to this idea are obvious, I am by no means against what Cquestrate are suggesting but I do think there is more to be considered than just the benefits. If you agree or disagree with me I want to know.