The problem

Since the industrial age the levels of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, have been increasing in our atmosphere through greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, thus resulting in higher global temperatures. This leads to climate change, melting ice and rising sea levels. To stop these events we need to discover, evaluate, implement and monitor new ways that can help reduce the levels of CO2 in our atmosphere.

The role of the ocean

The ocean is also affected by the greenhouse gas emissions. The higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere leads to more CO2 being absorbed by the ocean. The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, and has already absorbed about 25% of the CO2 emitted by human activities until now. Still, the ocean has the potential to store even more CO2.

The importance of reducing emissions

Regardless of any other activity, priority number one is to dramatically reduce emissions, and move to a zero-emission society. However, even if we reach zero emissions by 2050, still an emissions gap will remain.

(What is that gap?)

 

Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR)

Ocean-based action can play a critical role in helping the world to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The ocean can help close the emissions gap. If we were to try and close the emissions gap, as a global society, we would need to deploy mCDR techniques at a massive scale. Therefore, it is vital that we should start to investigate mCDR as soon as possible.

The role of SEAO2-CDR

In SEAO2-CDR, we are studying what the effects of mCDR are. And, if we want to implement mCDR, how it can be best done. We are developing and expanding a framework that offers advice and guidance to everyone involved in marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Our research enables European citizens, policy makers and entrepreneurs to make well-informed decisions on how to move forward.

Funding

The project is funded through Horizon Europe call CL5-2022-D1-01-01 on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) approaches. It will run for four years from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2027, includes 14 European partners and will work with a range of companies and institutions interested in ocean-based CDR.

Read more about the framework (link to framework webpage)
Read more about the Glossary of terms (link to separate page)

 

Read more about the framework