Innovative rock-based systems could store CO2 and generate hydrogen, offering climate solutions
Original framing: “We could generate hydrogen from rocks while storing CO2 in them” — New Scientist
In many non-Western societies, the earth is not viewed as a commodity but as a living entity with rights. This worldview challenges the extractive logic of the proposed technology and suggests alternative, more holistic approaches to energy production and carbon management.
The proposal to generate hydrogen and store CO2 in rocks represents a promising but incomplete approach to climate action.
It must be contextualized within a broader framework that includes Indigenous knowledge, historical accountability, and cross-cultural perspectives. Scientific innovation alone cannot address the systemic challenges of energy justice and environmental sustainability. By integrating marginalized voices, fostering community ownership, and applying rigorous environmental scrutiny, this technology can evolve from a speculative novelty into a genuinely transformative solution. The path forward requires not only technical advancement but also a reimagining of our relationship with the earth and each other.