Scientists have presented a controversial air purification device: why it is criticized

Carbon dioxide air pollution is a global problem facing humanity, so scientists are trying to find ways to clean the atmosphere. However, one such startup has drawn a barrage of criticism.

We're talking about the Equatic startup, which offers a new technology for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing “green” hydrogen. What is known about the startup and why it is being criticized – Channel 24 tells with reference to the BBC.

Why there were concerns about the startup

The fact is that the creators of the new technology say that to clean the atmosphere, Equatic will use the electrolysis of water from the ocean, during which carbon dioxide will be removed from the atmosphere and hydrogen will be produced as an ecological fuel. The company has already built several pilot plants and even launched a factory in Canada to build new machines. The startup predicts that thanks to these installations it will be possible to remove up to 100,000 carbon dioxide every year.

Proponents of the technology, such as the scientists at Carbon180, emphasize its cost-effectiveness and ability to store CO2 in a form that remains stable for millennia. However, critics, including Mary Church of the Center for International Environmental Law, warn of risks to marine ecosystems. Intervention can change the chemical composition of the water, affect the number of species and nutrition. The energy cost of the process also raises questions: 2.3 megawatt-hours of electricity is required for each ton of CO2 removed.

On a scale to significantly affect the climate, CO2 removal in the sea would be inherently unpredictable and pose significant, new and unprecedented risks to the fragile ecosystems that support life on Earth, – says Mary Church.

The problem remains in the rapid scaling of the technology and its environmental consequences. Despite significant investments from Microsoft, Shopify and others, as well as deals with companies such as Boeing, experts stress that the technology should complement, not replace, emissions reductions.

While solutions like Equatic can help combat climate change, their implementation requires careful monitoring, policy development, and safeguards to avoid damaging the oceans.