Marine Carbon Removal Research

We have only five years before 1.5 °C

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Biden-Harris administration recently introduced the National Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Research Strategy, a comprehensive guide to advancing marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies. These innovations harness the ocean’s natural capacity to absorb CO₂.

The strategy outlines key biological and non-biological approaches, including macroalgal cultivation, ocean alkalinity enhancement, direct ocean removal, and enhancements to the biological carbon pump. It emphasizes research as a tool to assess the viability, risks, and environmental impacts of these methods while establishing metrics to track effectiveness and ecosystem health.

This initiative paves the way for public and private researchers to explore cutting-edge mCDR solutions, ensuring careful evaluation and sustainable implementation. Dr. Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, highlighted the need for collaboration across government, industry, and academia to unlock mCDR’s potential. Dr. Steven Thur, NOAA’s Acting Chief Scientist, also reinforced the goal of fostering resilient ecosystems alongside emission reduction.

Image Credit: PMEL/NOAA