Editor’s note: Carbon to Sea recently invited Laura Stieghorst, Founder of Básico Carbon, to serve as the Field Research Associate during the pilot of our Halifax Joint Learning Opportunity in Nova Scotia, Canada. As the founder of a consultancy specializing in OAE research and policy, Laura brought an invaluable lens to scientific progress happening at these sites. We’re happy to share some of her reflections on the experience in the following guest blog post.

Reflections from Laura Stieghorst

For the past three months, I have been living in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the front lines of a critically important journey: the mission to see if we can fight climate change by safely storing more carbon dioxide in the ocean. 

Having consulted in ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) research and policy, I was curious to see how theory translates to real life.The world’s leading scientific bodies, like the National Academies of Science in the United States, say that OAE is a high-potential climate solution. But what does it look like in practice?

I want to share my first-hand experience of watching OAE research come to life — for the benefit of colleagues who are deeply involved in this work and folks who are curious about how we can tackle the climate crisis in new, innovative ways. 

I first observed this research at Planetary Technologies’ field site in Halifax Harbor, where they are working with researchers from Dalhousie University’s Ocean Alk-Align Consortium. Both teams are Carbon to Sea grantees and their co-location made it possible to develop a regional field research hub. Carbon to Sea created the Halifax Joint Learning Opportunity with local partner COVE, to extend the scientific impact of Planetary’s trial beyond the existing scope and budget. Following a rigorous evaluation process of many proposals from around the world, four projects were selected for their potential to maximize the impact of existing research plans.

I visited Planetary’s site while accompanying  Sequoia Scientific’s lead scientist, Kirby Simon, and CEO, Ole Mikkelsen, as they inspected the field site for compatibility with their sensors. One of the awardees, Sequioia proposed a new application for their sensors that measure particle size, concentration, and distribution at the outfall and in the surrounding harbor. These measurements help determine the impact of feedstock accumulation, in-situ particle dynamics, and dissolution kinetics. This data is then shared back with partners at Planetary and Dalhousie to inform future iterations of this field work. I was inspired to see new and existing technology, including one sensor that has been in use for over 30 years, applied to novel solutions. It was a reminder not to reinvent the wheel, and to think creatively about existing resources.

This was also the first time I got to see the output of Planetary’s years of growth and development. My career in ocean carbon removal started in 2021 with an XPRIZE funded research partnership with Planetary, so to see their project up and running was a full circle moment. I felt that I had played my small part in making this idea a reality.

This was also the first time I got to see the output of Planetary’s years of growth and development. My career in ocean carbon removal started in 2021 with an XPRIZE funded research partnership with Planetary, so to see their project up and running was a full circle moment. I felt that I had played my small part in making this idea a reality.

After completing the required safety presentation and receiving personal protective equipment from Nova Scotia Power, I was ready to get a closer look. The layout is deceptively simple. As chief scientist Dr. Will Burt describes it, “It’s a tank on a tarp”. But this setup houses a system of pumps, meters, and measurement equipment that keep a fine balance between maximizing carbon removal and staying well within strict regulatory limits for water quality. This is done by mixing alkalinity with a stream of seawater before it is further diluted in the outfall. The dosing rate of alkalinity is monitored constantly throughout this process.

Two additional Dalhousie researchers were also among the awardees: Dr. Julie LaRoche and Dr. Chris Algar, studying eDNA as a measure of OAE’s biological impact and the accumulation of alkalinity on the benthic ecosystem, respectively. The results of their research will help the mCDR industry gain a better understanding of OAE’s real-world impact.

Later in October, I attended the launch of Carbon Run’s field site along the West River in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Carbon Run is working to apply a similar alkalinity enhancement solution, but in a river environment. This project aims to counteract acidity in river waters to improve the local salmon stock and increase the water’s carbon uptake capacity. It’s the world’s first river-based CDR site, and I was eager to check it out.

The launch ceremony hosted speakers from the provincial government, Indigenous elders, and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. Their interest in this solution is predicated on its long history of use as a way to counteract acidity and improve the fish stock in Scandinavian rivers. I spoke to neighbors of the project living just down the river who said they were excited for the possibility of the salmon to return in abundance. 

Mi’kmaq Elder Dr. Joe Michael remarked during the ceremony that this project is an example of Etuaptmumk or “two-eyed seeing.” Etuaptmumk, I learned, is the practice of weaving together Indigenous wisdom with Western science. By applying this principle to climate solutions, the carbon removal industry can work towards environmental justice and minimize social and environmental harm.

I am grateful for the opportunity to further explore this practice, and the perspectives of the Atlantic First Nations on climate action during the Atlantic Policy Congress’s Climate Leadership Conference. During the three day event, I learned about community-led and owned wind power projects, archeology and cultural site preservation in the face of climate change, wetland restoration, and many other initiatives to protect the climate. These lessons informed planning with the Ulnooweg Development Group and inspired conversations around meaningful engagement with indigenous communities.

My time spent in Halifax was incredibly fulfilling and full of firsts, both for the carbon removal industry and personally. I immediately connected with a group of climbers at Seven Bays Bouldering, a beloved rock climbing gym and cafe, who introduced me to outdoor climbing. It was such a special way to see nature and appreciate the rocky coves so iconic to Nova Scotia. And  there was no sight more unique than when  northern lights appeared in red and green ribbons across the sky. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. 

Above all, I was overjoyed to find a community of people with similar values — deeply interested in addressing climate change while prioritizing scientific rigor and inclusive decisionmaking. I’m grateful for the connections I made with the scientists, technologists, and community leaders behind each exciting project. The work they are doing is proof that climate solutions can work towards both healing the planet and creating more equitable communities.

Leaving Halifax is bittersweet, but I hope to return very soon. In the meantime I will be spreading Haligonian pride wherever I go.