Ocean Conservancy, along with a group of other NGOs, has released new recommendations for field experiments with marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technology.
Acknowledging that field research is key to evaluating mCDR as a responsible climate solution, the authors of the recommendations believe this resource can serve to ensure the knowledge on effectiveness and social and environmental impacts will inform future mCDR development decisions.
The recommendations are a joint effort between Ocean Conservancy and the Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification, AGU, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Oceana, Ocean Defense Initiative, and The Ocean Foundation.
Dr. Fatima Candace Vahlsing, Ocean Conservancy’s Vice President for Climate and former White House Associate Director for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Science, stated, “Climate change is the biggest threat to our ocean, and we must balance urgent work to address carbon pollution with robust protections for ocean ecosystems and the people that rely on them.”
She added, “To meet our global climate goals, we need to drastically reduce emissions and prioritize safe and effective carbon removal solutions. Working together, members of the environmental community have developed recommendations for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) field experiments to ensure they are governed responsibly, community-aligned, and protect marine ecosystems.”
The recommendations cover various aspects of mCDR field experiments.
In that sense, they advise adhering to existing ethical codes of conduct and ensuring the rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and fisherfolk are protected. mCDR research efforts around the world should make sure to include appropriate local experts, taking in consideration local perspectives to make genuinely informed decisions.
Field experiments should demonstrate low environmental and social risks, and researchers should prioritize low-risk projects with the highest potential climate benefits. The guidelines highlight that all projects should provide clear mitigation measures as needed.
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Additionally, independent monitoring, reporting, and verification should be ensured, along with open-access data from trials to provide transparency, replicability, and independent scrutiny.
These activities should seek and prioritize governmental and public financing and should provide funding for baseline development and longevity of assessment needed.
Lastly, the recommendations advise on agreeing that mCDR trials should not generate carbon credits and companies, funders, and research teams should avoid early carbon credit sales.
Read more: Carbon180, The Carbon Business Council & Ocean Conservancy Launch New mCDR Forum
