We all know that climate change is affecting our planet in drastic ways. But what if there was a way to both reduce the effects of climate change and benefit our society at the same time? A new study out of the University of California, Irvine has found a way to do just that. The study, published in Nature Communications, looks at the benefits of weathering, which is the process of breaking down rocks and releasing minerals into the atmosphere. The researchers found that, when done properly, weathering can be a “win-win” for both the environment and society. The study quantified the benefits of weathering, finding that it can reduce levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, while also providing valuable minerals for agricultural and industrial use. The study also found that the benefits of weathering could be increased through the use of technology, such as drones that can be used to detect and map rock deposits. The researchers hope that their findings will help to encourage the development of new technologies that can be used to harness the potential of weathering for our benefit.

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source: Phys.org