• Ocean-Based CO₂ Removal Lacks Verified Large-Scale Evidence.
• Fragmented MRV Frameworks Limit Credible Deployment.
• Policymakers Urged to Standardise Monitoring and Baselines.
Achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement means we need to make quick and lasting cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, as highlighted in a recent study from the European Marine Board. This research dives into how marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques could bolster climate initiatives by tapping into the Ocean’s natural knack for soaking up CO₂, reports Safety4Sea.
The Need for Strong Monitoring and Accounting
The study emphasizes that any mCDR efforts must be backed by a much clearer understanding of how carbon moves in the ocean to ensure we can accurately track net CO₂ removal. Without solid observation systems in place, it would be tough to confirm if mCDR is truly making a positive impact on the climate. To make sure we can deploy these methods credibly, the study advocates for a strong, consistent Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework that guarantees transparent, precise, and repeatable accounting of carbon removal and its environmental effects.
mCDR Remains at Early Research Stage
” At present, all mCDR methods remain at early research or small pilot scale, with none yet demonstrated at large-scale deployment. Consequently, mCDR methods do not have sufficiently robust, comprehensive MRV in place to enable credible large-scale implementation. “
The report also notes that the current MRV landscape is fragmented, with jurisdictions applying overlapping and inconsistent approaches across different mCDR methods.
Key Recommendations for Policymakers
The study calls on regulators to create a standardised and thorough MRV framework to tackle fragmentation and governance issues. It suggests that data collection and reporting should be harmonised across regulatory bodies instead of relying on voluntary private standards. Additionally, it points out the importance of baseline monitoring that looks at both carbon and ecological factors, such as biodiversity and habitat conditions, along with long-term observation systems that can confirm the effectiveness of CO₂ removal.
Guidance for Research Funders
National, European, and philanthropic funders are encouraged to back projects that set up long-term carbon baselines, enhance deep-ocean observation, and validate the models used for MRV. The report also calls for more funding to explore biological responses to environmental changes, fill knowledge gaps regarding the long-term effects of mCDR, ensure open-access data sharing, and support real-world MRV applications alongside essential research.
Expectations for Scientists and Practitioners
When it comes to MRV practitioners, the study suggests that they should set up strong baselines, measure uncertainties, evaluate ecological risks, and look into how long CO₂ removal lasts. It also emphasises the need for thorough life-cycle assessments, standardised environmental MRV guidelines, ethical research practices, and a commitment to transparency regarding data, funding sources, and methodologies.
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Source: Safety4Sea
