‘IN CONVERSATION’ with Dr Lukmaan Bawazer – “Coral reefs and reduction of carbon emissions”

Due to the threat of a global environmental crisis, reduction of atmospheric carbon-based gases is a major goal in scientific, industrial, and political communities throughout the world. Possible ramifications of increasing carbon emissions are severe, including global warming, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification.

This Masters Tea session will explore, in simple conceptual terms, the basic chemistry and industrial processes that are behind carbon emissions and climate change. While a variety of political and technological innovations will be required to solve this pressing issue, one source of hope comes from the study of biology. Coral reefs, in particular, have demonstrated to scientists a process by which atmospheric carbon can be converted into mineralized calcium carbonate. Some innovators think that this process could be used to convert carbon emissions into raw materials for concrete production for the built environment, and thus offer a potential economic driver for carbon reduction. This Masters Tea will discuss the hope offered by the mineral chemistry of coral reefs–reefs which are, ironically and sadly, rapidly deteriorating as climate change progresses. No scientific background is required for this session. Major concepts, as opposed to detailed chemistry, will be discussed. Students from all areas of study are welcome.