American Chemical Society's Weekly PressPac -- March 26, 2008

DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT ARTICLE http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es071873x

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Hong Kong Baptist University
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ARTICLE #5 EMBARGOED FOR 9 A.M., EASTERN TIME, March 31, 2008

Debate sharpens over fertilizing the oceans to control global warming
Chemical & Engineering News

As millions of people prepare to fertilize their lawns and gardens this spring, scientists are still in the midst of intensive hand-wringing over the pros and cons of fertilizing the world’s oceans in an effort to control global warming, according to an article scheduled for the March 31 issue of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS’ weekly newsmagazine.

C&EN Associate Editor Rachel A. Petkewich explains that in theory, ocean fertilization would remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by spurring the growth of tiny marine plants termed plankton that need CO₂ for growth. First proposed years ago, ocean fertilization has taken on new dimensions now that hundreds of start-up companies are preparing to offer ocean-fertilization services, Petkewich says.

Although fertilization can stimulate the growth of plankton and draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide, scientists do not know whether it would be effective in permanently keeping the carbon dioxide sequestered in the oceans. Environmental groups worry about safety aspects, and government agencies are concerned about the lack of laws to regulate ocean fertilization, the article suggests.

ARTICLE #5 EMBARGOED FOR 9 A.M., EASTERN TIME, March 31, 2008 “Fertilizing the ocean with iron”

This story will be available on March 31 at http://pubs.acs.org/cen/science/86/8613sci1.html

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Michael Bernstein
ACS News Service
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Journalists’ Resources

Reserve now: News Media Special Event April 7 in New Orleans

The 2008 edition of the ACS Office of Communications’ popular news media tour/briefing/reception heads for a premier research facility where science connects with everyday life. Reporters will visit the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) in New Orleans. After recovery from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, SRRC is continuing a 66-year heritage of discovery. SRRC’s landmarks range from development of wrinkle-resistant cotton fabrics to battling the dreaded Formosan subterranean termite in the “Second Battle of New Orleans.” The event begins mid-afternoon on April 7 during the ACS’ 235th national meeting, followed by a reception with food and beverages. Space is limited so reserve your spot now by contacting Michael Woods ( ) or Michael Bernstein ( ).

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