The Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Coalition (mCDR Coalition) announced its launch last week with the group aiming to support the responsible growth of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).
The coalition brings together global leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions in an effort to inform and promote research into the technology alongside supporting evidence-based policy engagements. In addition, it seeks to build relationships between science, conservation, and governance stakeholders.
CDR (carbon dioxide removal), of which mCDR forms a subset, is forecast to be a trillion-dollar market by 2050 and will be required on a multi-gigatonne (Gt) annual scale by mid-century to limit warming, according to the Carbon Business Council[i]. However, mCDR is still very much in its infancy within the cleantech space even though it has the potential to complement emissions reductions and contribute to global climate goals. Further, in some cases mCDR approaches may yield co-benefits such as improvements to ocean health (via local mitigation of ocean acidification), to coastal ecosystems, and to commercial aquaculture[ii].
One method of mCDR is ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) which can take place either via electrochemical systems, or the physical application of clean alkaline minerals to coastlines, coastal watersheds, or the open ocean. A notable example in this segment is Planetary, a company which recently won the XPRIZE Carbon Removal award for its ocean alkalinity enhancement. Planetary adds natural alkaline minerals to water at existing industrial facilities (for example power plants and wastewater treatment sites) before it flows into the ocean. This reduces ocean acidity, protects marine ecosystems, and supports the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide[iii].
Other examples of mCDR include:
· Electrochemical or photochemical systems that directly remove CO2 from the ocean.
· Dedicated cultivation or harvesting of aquatic biomass, including macroalgae and microalgae (for sinking to the deep ocean, long-duration terrestrial storage, or potential incorporation into long-lived products).
· Restoration, enhancement, and scaling of carbon sinks associated with seagrass, mangroves, and other coastal marine ecosystems (coastal “blue carbon”).
Ben Rubin, Executive Director of the Carbon Business Council has said: "Marine CDR approaches offer a critical opportunity to address the carbon already disrupting our climate and ocean ecosystems, with this vertical coalition, we're bringing together innovators, scientists, and policy leaders to ensure the field grows with environmental integrity, community engagement, and transparency at its core."[iv]
Members of the new mCDR Coalition have been meeting for almost two years to align on shared challenges and opportunities for the field. The formal launch enables expanded membership and a more active presence in the mCDR ecosystem, with opportunities for additional organizations to join as the coalition grows. Current active members include Banyu Carbon, Captura, Capture6, Ebb Carbon, Equatic, Isometric, Limenet, Planetary, Puro.earth, SeaO2, Vesta, and Vycarb.
Jill Storey, Marine CDR Advisor to the World Ocean Council, adds: “Net zero is now regarded as impossible without carbon removal. Covering 71% of the Earth's surface, the ocean offers the scale and potential needed to achieve climate goals. The mCDR Coalition is working to responsibly advance this emerging and vital maritime sector while raising its profile globally.”[v]
[i] CO2BC_Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Issue Brief.pdf
[ii] Marine Carbon Removal: Issue Brief — Carbon Business Council
[iv] Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Coalition Launches, Creates Forum to Responsibly Grow the Field
[v] Ibid
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
