Innovative Ocean-Based Strategies for Carbon Dioxide Removal
The ocean is fighting climate change and we’re trying to help it – here’s how
The Conversation
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Researchers are exploring marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) methods to combat climate change by enhancing the ocean's ability to absorb CO2. Experiments in Halifax Harbour, Canada, focus on using alkaline minerals and nutrients to boost carbon storage, while rigorous monitoring ensures ecological safety and effectiveness.
- 01The ocean holds about 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere and has absorbed a third of human CO2 emissions since the industrial revolution.
- 02Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) aims to enhance the ocean's natural ability to absorb CO2 through chemical and biological methods.
- 03Experiments in Halifax Harbour involve adding alkaline minerals to seawater and boosting microorganism populations to increase carbon storage.
- 04Rigorous measurement and monitoring are essential to ensure the effectiveness and ecological safety of mCDR strategies.
- 05The success of mCDR initiatives hinges on public trust and credible verification of carbon removal claims.
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Researchers are investigating innovative methods for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) to enhance the ocean's natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The ocean, which covers about 70% of the Earth's surface, has already absorbed approximately one-third of human CO2 emissions since the industrial revolution. Experiments conducted in Halifax Harbour, Canada, are exploring two primary approaches: adding alkaline minerals to seawater to increase its capacity for carbon storage and enhancing the growth of microscopic organisms that utilize dissolved CO2 through photosynthesis. These methods aim to convert CO2 into more stable forms, allowing the ocean to absorb more from the atmosphere. However, the effectiveness of these strategies requires rigorous monitoring to assess their ecological impact and ensure public trust. Tools developed at Duke University are being deployed to measure changes in seawater chemistry and quantify the carbon removal process. The success of mCDR initiatives will depend on transparent verification of carbon removal claims and the protection of marine ecosystems.
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The success of marine carbon removal strategies could significantly enhance the ocean's role in mitigating climate change, potentially benefiting local ecosystems and communities reliant on marine health.
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