UPDATE: A groundbreaking report released during COP30 warns of significant risks associated with turning oceans into carbon sinks. Experts from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology emphasize that while oceans could absorb carbon dioxide, current technologies lack the reliability needed for safe, large-scale implementation.
Just announced, findings from an expert panel report to the European Union highlight the urgent need for robust monitoring and verification before any marine carbon removal strategies are adopted. As the world races towards the critical 1.5°C temperature threshold, researchers stress that immediate emissions reductions must remain the priority.
The oceans are poised to play a crucial role in combating climate change by drawing down atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, experts warn that the technologies developed for this purpose are not yet ready for expansion. According to the report, known as “Monitoring, Reporting and Verification for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal,” these methods must meet stringent safeguards to ensure they do not cause unintended environmental harm.
“We need to strengthen the way we safeguard the oceans before we scale things up,” said Helene Muri, a senior researcher at NILU, the Norwegian Institute for Air Research. The report was unveiled at the UN climate conference taking place in Brazil.
As global temperatures rise faster than nations anticipated, the urgency of addressing climate change is more critical than ever. UN General Secretary António Guterres remarked at the COP30 Leaders’ Summit on November 6, stating, “The 1.5°C limit is a red line for humanity. It must be kept within reach.” He insists that while temporary overshoot may be inevitable, scientists affirm that achieving this target is still possible.
The latest findings underscore that while innovative ocean-based carbon removal methods may have potential, they require significant oversight before being deployed. “We know how to cut emissions, and we have lots of methods that work. That has to take top priority,” Muri added.
The debate over carbon removal arises from the reality that certain sectors, such as air travel, are difficult to decarbonize entirely. Experts project that to meet climate targets, countries must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, balancing any remaining emissions through effective carbon removal strategies.
A key challenge lies in the verification of these marine carbon removal techniques. Muri points out, “How can a company prove how much extra carbon dioxide its technology removes?” The report emphasizes the importance of establishing standards for monitoring, reporting, and verifying the effectiveness and safety of such methods.
As research continues, many marine carbon removal techniques are still in their infancy. Some, like enhancing plankton growth, show promise, yet others lack proven results. The complexity of tracking carbon stored in the ocean further complicates the issue, as it is inherently more dynamic than land-based carbon sequestration.
With growing interest from governments and companies pursuing carbon credits for these technologies, Muri warns, “None of these methods are mature to use if you cannot verify impacts.” She stresses the importance of having a reliable and transparent system for crediting carbon removal efforts.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding marine carbon removal, experts agree that as climate scenarios evolve, the need for effective carbon dioxide removal will only increase. “All future scenarios show us that we will need carbon dioxide removal to reach our most ambitious temperature goals,” Muri concluded.
As the world grapples with the climate crisis, this report serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and accountability in new environmental technologies. The implications of rushing into untested methods could have far-reaching consequences for our oceans and the planet’s health.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the COP30 conference unfolds.
