How could the permafrost stabilization method affect PacifiCan?
PacifiCan may partner on new permafrost emissions technology The startup, PermaC, is developing an insulating blanket method to stabilize rapidly eroding permafrost in Canada’s Northwest Territories. If successful, the technology could prevent up to 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually across Canada and Alaska. To scale this solution and sell carbon credits, the company needs a detailed methodology for third-party verification.
- Effect
- Mild positive
- How direct
- Brind's reasoning
- When
- Within months
- The story
- Gone quiet
How it reaches PacifiCan
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A Canadian startup is developing a method to prevent greenhouse-gas emissions from permafrost by stabilizing the soil with an insulating blanket of woody materials. The company completed its first test of these insulating blankets in Canada. This approach aims to keep the carbon in the soil buried.
The full event1independent outlet -
The company aims to sell carbon credits for prevented emissions, which requires developing a detailed methodology that a third party can use to verify the prevented CO2. This need for verification and scaling support aligns with the mandate of government technology organizations like PacifiCan.
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government organization in Vancouver, Canada
Everything about PacifiCan
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- PermaC is stabilizing permafrost with an insulating blanket of woody materials.nature.com
- The company has raised Can$1.4 million (US$1 million) from investors.nature.com
- The blanketed area saw no measurable retreat during a test in Canada’s Northwest Territories.nature.com
- The company estimates it might prevent about 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year if installed at 20,000 slumps.nature.com
Why it matters
The stakes are high given the global threat of permafrost thaw, which is estimated to be equivalent to the emissions of Japan. If rapid erosion continues, these areas could amplify permafrost emissions by as much as 40% compared to models that only account for gradual thaw. Successfully scaling this technology could provide a significant, measurable tool to combat climate change.
This technology is part of a broader research effort exploring methods to prevent thaw directly, ranging from placing reflective mats on glaciers to pumping water onto sea ice. However, measuring the CO2 emissions from slumps is not straightforward, and the company must first establish a verifiable methodology to sell carbon credits.
What we don't know yet
- Will PermaC successfully develop a detailed methodology for third-party verification of prevented emissions?
- What level of government interest or funding will be required to scale the blankets to 20,000 slumps?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- nature.comOct 8
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