ONE of the climate issues that is currently of concern to the world is global warming caused by the greenhouse effect. One of them is due to carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions.
To overcome this problem, Researcher at the Limnology and Water Resources Research Center (PRLSDA) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Mahally Kudsy explained that the inventor offered a new solution to overcome the carbon dioxide problem through the method of seeding lime with calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide ( Ca(OH)2) in areas containing high CO2 concentrations.
“This seeding can be done either dynamically using an airplane or statically using a base generator,” said Mahally in an official statement, Tuesday (12/11).
The main aim of this discovery, said Mahally, is to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide gas formed due to forest and/or land fires. This is done by sowing calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide lime in air contaminated with CO2 gas, including that mixed with forest fire smoke.
“Apart from that, this invention aims to offer a new method to overcome global warming by reducing one of the greenhouse gases, namely CO2, by sowing lime into the air which contains this greenhouse gas,” added the researcher who is part of the Weather Engineering Research Group. for Water Resources Management.
Calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide have the property of spontaneously binding CO2 gas and converting it into calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This process makes these two compounds very suitable for reducing greenhouse gases, especially CO2.
Mahally said that calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide are compounds that are easily available on the market and are very effective in absorbing CO2 gas from the air, then converting it into calcium carbonate.
Although greenhouse gases such as CO2 in certain concentrations are necessary to support plant life, excess CO2 gas in the atmosphere can cause dangerous global warming. Without greenhouse gases, the temperature difference between day and night would be very extreme, which could disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
Mahally further stated, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if the rate of CO2 gas emissions continues without reduction efforts, the average global temperature is estimated to increase by 0.3 degrees Celsius every ten years.
According to him, carbon dioxide has the ability to last a long time in the atmosphere, and can even decompose within 50 to 200 years. As a result, CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere increase over time.
“The efforts made by experts so far are generally preventive in nature. Such as calls to reduce the use of materials that produce excessive CO2 gas, or static efforts such as planting trees to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. “However, as the area of forest and agricultural land decreases due to population growth and the expansion of industrial areas, maintaining green areas and planting areas is increasingly difficult,” said Mahally.
“Apart from that, frequent forest and land fires worsen this condition,” he stressed.
Representing the Head of PRLSDA BRIN, Hendro Wibowo said that one of the issues that has received world attention to date is the problem of global warming as a greenhouse effect, one of which is carbon dioxide gas. According to the IPCC, if the rate of gas emissions is allowed to continue without efforts to reduce it, temperatures will continue to increase.
“In Indonesia, global warming has caused the dry season to become longer and drier, causing drought in several areas. “Meanwhile, the rainy season is getting shorter but with very high intensity it can cause landslides,” he concluded. (h-2)
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**Interview with Mahally Kudsy, Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mahally. You’ve introduced an innovative approach to tackle one of the pressing issues of our time: carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. Can you explain how the seeding method with calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide works?
**Mahally Kudsy:** Thank you for having me. The seeding method involves the dispersion of calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in areas with high concentrations of carbon dioxide. These compounds react with CO2 in the atmosphere, effectively binding it and converting it into calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This process helps reduce the levels of a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
**Editor:** That sounds promising! Could you tell us more about the application methods you mentioned? How do you deploy this lime seeding?
**Mahally Kudsy:** We have two primary methods for deploying the lime. The first is a dynamic approach, where we utilize aircraft to disperse the lime over larger areas. The second is a more static method that uses ground-based generators. Both methods aim to target areas affected by high CO2 concentrations, particularly those impacted by forest fires and pollution.
**Editor:** The implications of this discovery are significant. How readily available are calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, and are there any challenges in sourcing these materials?
**Mahally Kudsy:** Both calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide are widely available in the market and are cost-effective. Their accessibility is one of the advantages of this method, making it feasible for larger-scale application. The challenge lies more in the coordination of seeding efforts and ensuring it is done in areas where CO2 levels are critically high.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating how this approach could potentially mitigate the greenhouse effect. However, how do you address concerns about excess CO2, considering it is vital for plant life?
**Mahally Kudsy:** You’re right; CO2 is essential for photosynthesis and maintaining ecological balance. Our focus is on reducing excess CO2 that leads to global warming. While some concentration is necessary, excessive amounts, particularly from industrial and agricultural sources, disrupt the ecosystem and increase global temperatures. Our method aims to restore a healthier balance.
**Editor:** With climate change being a global issue, what role do you see this invention playing in international efforts to combat environmental challenges?
**Mahally Kudsy:** This method can be an effective tool in the broader fight against climate change. It aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as outlined by various climate agreements. It also highlights Indonesia’s commitment to innovation in renewable energy and environmental preservation as we prepare for events like COP29.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mahally, for sharing your insights. It’s refreshing to hear about innovative solutions to such a pivotal issue. We look forward to seeing how this research progresses and its potential impact on global climate action.
**Mahally Kudsy:** Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful that our work will contribute significantly to a more sustainable future.
