Strategies for the Evaluation and Assessment of Ocean based Carbon Dioxide Removal (SEAO2-CDR)

The emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere through human activities is driving global warming, with potentially catastrophic consequences on human populations and natural ecosystems. Limiting this temperature increase to 2˚C in line with the Paris Agreement requires a significant drop in the rate of greenhouse gas emissions and active removal of CO2 from the atmosphere in a safe, sustainable and durable manner. The SEAO2-CDR project is expanding our understanding of the potential to use ocean-based marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) approaches. By integrating scientific, social, legal and commercial knowledge we are developing the tools, mechanisms and guidelines required to ensure that potential mCDR techniques can be developed and assessed in a responsible and transparent manner.


SEAO2-CDR is addressing many of the key questions and challenges associated with the evaluation and potential implementation of proposed mCDR approaches, including:

  • How efficient is the technique in removing CO2 across its full lifecycle, and what are the costs of implementation? [WP2]
  • How can we quantify how much CO2 is removed from the atmosphere? [WP3]
  • What do the public and other stakeholders need to know to make informed decisions regarding the approach(es)? [WP4]
  • How should mCDR activities be regulated in European and international environments? [WP5]
  • What are the commercial requirements for effective and sustainable mCDR implementation? [WP6]
  • How should the potential contributions of mCDR activities be represented and assessed in global assessment models? [WP7]

Through our research we aim to help enable European citizens, policy makers and companies to make well-informed decisions regarding the potential implementation of mCDR approaches in support of climate change mitigation. Our activities and outputs are not an expression of being in favour or against mCDR operation, or a particular mCDR technique.

Who we are

The SEAO2-CDR project runs from June 2023 until June 2027. Our consortium consists of 14 partners from across Europe. Our funding comes from the EU and UKRI.

Learn more about the project team

Find out more about SEAO2-CDR