CO₂ Harvesters Initiative

CO₂ Harvesters Initiative

CO₂ Harvesters Initiative

Capturing carbon at the community level using locally built Direct Air Capture units to fight climate change.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tanzania

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

—

CO₂ Harvesters is tackling the escalating challenge of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, a major driver of global climate change. In Tanzania and similar developing nations, CO₂ emissions are rising due to expanding industrial activity and transportation, especially in urban zones. While the country emits relatively less CO₂ per capita (approx. 0.3 metric tons), localized pollution and its health and environmental effects are disproportionately felt by densely populated urban communities. Globally, over 37 billion tons of CO₂ are emitted annually, with less than 0.1% actively removed through carbon removal technologies. Sub-Saharan Africa, despite contributing only 3% to global emissions, is among the most vulnerable to climate-related disruptions including floods, droughts, and food insecurity. Existing Direct Air Capture (DAC) solutions are centralized, expensive, and energy-intensive, making them inaccessible for developing countries. There is a critical gap in low-cost, community-scale CO₂ removal technologies tailored to local contexts. CO₂ Harvesters addresses this gap by providing scalable, modular DAC units using locally available mineral-based sorbents. Each unit is capable of removing 50–100 tons of CO₂ per year, particularly in roadside and industrial hotspots where emissions accumulate. By localizing DAC, we reduce costs, increase adoption, and build climate resilience in frontline communities.

CO₂ Harvesters is a community-scale Direct Air Capture (DAC) solution that uses mineral-based sorbents to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in high-emission zones. Each unit is designed to capture 50–100 tons of CO₂ per year, operating in places like industrial parks, busy roadside corridors, and markets where emissions are concentrated. Our technology uses locally sourced alkaline minerals—such as serpentine and olivine—processed into a fine sorbent. These minerals naturally bind with atmospheric CO₂ through a process called mineral carbonation. The air is pulled through a passive or fan-assisted module, where the CO₂ reacts with the mineral sorbent and is permanently stored as stable carbonates. The units are modular and low-energy, requiring no high-pressure systems or exotic materials. The system runs on solar power, making it energy-independent and suitable for remote or off-grid locations. Captured carbon can be safely stored on-site or potentially sold as carbon removal credits in the voluntary carbon market. This approach makes carbon removal affordable and community-driven, using local labor and materials. It transforms high-emission microzones into carbon sinks while creating green jobs and positioning communities in the Global South as active players in climate mitigation.

CO₂ Harvesters primarily serves communities in Tanzania located near industrial zones, roadside hubs, and high-traffic corridors, where air pollution and carbon emissions are highest. These populations—often low-income and marginalized—include small-scale traders, transport workers, women, and youth, many of whom face heightened exposure to environmental health risks like respiratory issues and heat-related illnesses. These communities are currently underserved in three ways: Limited access to air quality interventions despite facing daily exposure to pollution. Exclusion from climate innovation that is often centralized in wealthier or urban-core areas. Lack of green economic opportunities, particularly for youth and women. Our solution addresses these gaps by: Improving local air quality through direct carbon capture and pollutant reduction. Creating employment and training in DAC system assembly, maintenance, and monitoring. Generating revenue from carbon credit sales to reinvest in local development. By combining clean air, job creation, and climate participation, CO₂ Harvesters provides both environmental and economic relief to communities often left out of the global green transition.