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Welsh farmers pioneer project to harness basalt to soak up CO²

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It could be a climate game-changer: In Glandwr Forest in the Welsh county of Carmarthenshire, researchers began investigating a technique to dramatically enhance the soil’s role in stabilising the climate. A collaboration between the Carbon Community charity and scientists from various institutes, the aim is to accelerate two natural processes that absorb carbon dioxide: the growth of fungal networks, and rock weathering. Implanting samples of fungi-rich soil from established forests kick-starts the rapid growth of new trees, while the area is sprinkled liberally with crushed basalt – a by-product of the mining industry – to trigger the weathering. The goal is to prove that this combined approach super-charges the soil as a climate ally – then replicate it around the world.

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21 Silver Linings