Boats, Drones and CO2: Former Google CEO Funds Carbon Capture Project in Antarctica

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, is leading an innovative venture in the realm of environmental science and technology. Through his foundation, Schmidt Sciences, he intends to investigate the global carbon cycle.

Earth’s oceans make up the most extensive carbon sink on the planet, with the ability to absorb nearly one-third of all CO2 emissions. Despite its small relative size, the Southern Ocean’s carbon capture ability is substantial, accounting for 40% of all oceanic CO2 absorption. Yet scientists know little about why the Southern Ocean is such an effective carbon sink. Harsh weather conditions and persistent cloud cover have made it difficult to gather reliable data, as they often interfere with satellite observations.

Schmidt aims to deepen scientific insight into how and why the Southern Ocean functions as one of the planet’s most significant carbon sinks. Through the next five years, Schmidt Sciences plans to dedicate tens of millions of dollars towards deploying unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These USVs can navigate the harsh conditions around the southernmost region of the planet, while collecting data that was previously deemed inaccessible. Equipped with advanced sensors, USVs can measure the partial pressure of CO2, temperature and ocean currents. Using machine learning algorithms, USVs can also adapt their routes in real time.

The hope is that this ambitious project offers more certainty about the extent and process of the ocean’s carbon uptake. This information can help humanity better understand how the oceans can limit anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere, potentially reducing the impacts of climate change.

Schmidt’s initiative underscores how technological innovation and scientific research can come together to address one of the planet’s most pressing challenges. It will be interesting to follow how the integration of robotics, AI and climate science can contribute to the fight against climate change.