In a significant step for climate innovation, the Carbon to Sea Initiative and the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR) have joined forces to advance ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (oCDR) research in Canada.
The two organizations will co-invest $4 million CAD to fund a new wave of scientific projects focused on Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE), a promising method to increase the ocean’s natural carbon absorption capabilities.\
“Twenty-five years of foundational research shows that OAE has huge potential as a carbon removal solution — but there’s a lot we still need to understand to reduce uncertainties in quantification, build trust among the public, and build good governance for this fast-growing sector,” said Antonius Gagern, Executive Director of Carbon to Sea. “Dedicated funding for rigorous science and unlocking new cross-cutting collaborations are what’s needed to help expedite this process and get answers to outstanding questions around OAE. That’s exactly what this new partnership with MEOPAR is intended to do.
MEOPAR and Carbon to Sea Initiative Drive Innovation in Ocean Climate Solutions
The collaboration represents a broader commitment to foster public-private-philanthropic partnerships that bridge cutting-edge science and national climate policy.
This partnership kicks off with research initiatives based in Nova Scotia and aims to address critical scientific questions around the safety, efficacy, and scalability of oCDR technologies. “Nova Scotia is emerging as a dynamic hub for climate research and development in Canada thanks to forward-thinking organizations in our ocean innovation ecosystem, who are working together to connect scientists with research sites, partners, and community leaders,” said Miriam Zitner, General Manager, Canada at Carbon to Sea.
MEOPAR, backed by Canada’s Strategic Science Fund, brings deep experience in mobilizing marine research. Carbon to Sea complements this with a global network of scientists studying OAE as a viable climate mitigation tool.
“As a research network we are embracing public-private-philanthropic partnerships to leverage and maximize our collective impact on high potential research like ocean-based carbon removal. Canada’s Strategic Science Fund is designed to support areas critical to the health, economic, and social well-being of Canadians, and there is nothing more pressing than climate solutions,” said Jamie Snook, Executive Director of MEOPAR.
Read more: Google And Carbon To Sea Are Funding A New Project To Improve OAE Modeling
