Bold claim: Earth’s hidden lava-rock sponge could dramatically redraw how we think about long-term carbon storage. But here’s where it gets controversial—and why you’ll want to read on to see what this means for climate strategy and everyday business decisions.
Eroded lava rubble beneath the ocean stores massive amounts of CO2
Researchers from the University of Southampton have uncovered a natural mechanism that traps CO2 deep beneath the seafloor. By examining lava rubble (breccia) from the South Atlantic, they found porous rock formations that behave like a vast sponge, sequestering carbon dioxide for tens of millions of years. Samples dating back 60 million years show that these deposits hold 2 to 40 times more CO2 than volcanics previously studied. This finding challenges and enriches our understanding of Earth’s long-term carbon cycle.
Dr. Rosalind Coggon, the study’s lead author, explained: “What’s exciting is that these porous, permeable deposits can store substantial volumes of seawater CO2 as they gradually cement together through calcium carbonate minerals formed from seawater percolating through them.”
The takeaway is clear: natural geological formations beneath the ocean floor could play a far larger role in carbon storage than we previously appreciated, potentially influencing how we model climate futures and design carbon-management strategies.
Further reading: Scientists find a massive hidden CO2 sponge beneath the ocean floor (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251211100631.htm)
Sustainability is becoming a key driver for business strategy
A recent HSBC survey reveals a notable shift: 95% of business leaders now view climate transition as an opportunity rather than a risk. The study, which polled 2,150 professionals, indicates that sustainability is moving from a compliance obligation to a strategic driver that can shape competitive advantage and investment priorities. An impressive 99% of leaders believe it will be essential for achieving competitive advantage over the next three years.
Natalie Blyth, Global Head of Sustainable Finance & Transition at HSBC, commented: “In 2025, sustainability strategy became business strategy, defining value creation, competitive edge, and risk management.” As a result, the proportion of companies planning to allocate at least 10% of their capital expenditure to climate initiatives is expected to double within three years.
Further reading: 95% of Business Leaders View Climate Transition as Source of Growth and Opportunity: HSBC Survey (https://www.esgtoday.com/95-of-business-leaders-view-climate-transition-as-source-of-growth-and-opportunity-hsbc-survey/)
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Lignin carbon fibers loaded with nanoparticles
A team has developed a high-performance catalyst built from lignin, a common waste product from paper and biorefinery processes. By embedding nickel-iron oxide nanoparticles into carbon fibers made from lignin, they created a structure that dramatically accelerates hydrogen production. This approach offers a sustainable, low-cost alternative to the expensive metals typically used in water splitting.
Yanlin Qin, one of the authors, stated: “Our work demonstrates that a catalyst derived from lignin—a low-value byproduct of the paper and biorefinery industries—can deliver high activity and exceptional durability, providing a greener and more economical route to large-scale hydrogen generation.”
Further reading: Paper mill waste could unlock cheaper clean energy (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210092026.htm)
Google signs carbon removal deal with marine tech firm Ebb Carbon
Ebb Carbon has announced a new off-take agreement with Google to remove 3,500 tons of CO2. The project will deploy Ebb’s electromechanical technology at a desalination facility operated by the Saudi Water Authority. The system treats brine and returns an alkaline solution to the ocean, boosting its capacity to absorb atmospheric CO2 while mitigating ocean acidification.
Ben Tarbell, CEO of Ebb, remarked: “The ocean’s natural systems are among the most powerful and scalable paths to meaningful carbon removal. By integrating our technology with desalination facilities, we turn a waste stream into a climate solution.” Ebb is also exploring collaborations with Google X to recycle concrete waste using the acid byproduct of this process.
Further reading: Google Signs Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Deal with Ebb Carbon (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B9IvZNwqrBmtCsoUnCqsL79a1F7Z8duE1FSKNUEwHgc/edit?tab=t.0)
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily Impakter. Cover photo credit: ScienceDaily (https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/1920/lava-breccia-core.webp)
