Enabling responsible scaling of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges
As the world seeks solutions to address rising carbon dioxide levels, marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) has emerged as a potential approach to help meet climate targets. However, significant questions remain about its feasibility, environmental impact, and regulatory pathways. Our project, Developing a Strategy for Responsible Consideration of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal in the UK, brings together experts from academia, industry, and government to explore these questions and inform evidence-based decision-making.
The Challenge: Unlocking Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
For marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) to become a viable solution, we need a clear, evidence-based strategy for scaling up safely and effectively. However, the pathway from small-scale trials to large-scale deployment is blocked by a regulatory paradox: large-scale testing is required to gather essential impact data, yet permits for such testing are difficult to obtain without prior data. Our project addresses this challenge through a phased approach that balances scientific research, regulatory oversight, and industry participation.
Our Approach
- Examine Scientific and Regulatory Needs – Assessing what evidence is required to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of different mCDR approaches.
- Facilitate Knowledge Exchange – Bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry experts, and regulators to explore potential pathways and challenges.
- Support Informed Policy Development – Develop a startegy which, where appropriate, would enable mCDR trails to move up scales by co-creation of environmental impact data by trial operators and regulators.
Why This Matters
Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal is still in its early stages, and careful consideration is needed to understand its potential benefits, risks, and limitations. By fostering collaboration and developing a clear, evidence-based framework, this project aims to provide a framework and UK strategy through which mCDR can reach its potential, grounded in rigorous science, responsible policy, and stakeholder engagement.