Scientific Groups cautious over iron fertilization of the oceans to sequester CO_2

摘要

Scientific advisers to Parties to the international treaties which regulate the dumping of wastes and other matter at sea have advised caution in relation to planned large-scale iron fertilization of the oceans to sequester carbon dioxide (CO_2). Knowledge about the effectiveness and potential environmental impact of iron fertilization is currently insufficient to justify large-scale operations, according to the Scientific Groups advising the Contracting Parties to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (London Convention) and the 1996 Protocol thereto (London Protocol), which met for their annual meeting from 18 to 22 June 2007, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.