The ocean is a huge carbon sink. It naturally stores a great deal of carbon through chemical processes, which is sometimes called “blue carbon”. A range of methods are proposed to increase Carbon Dioxide Removal in the ocean – including restoring coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes; adding additional nutrients to the upper layers of the ocean to encourage the growth of photosynthesising plants; and making seawater less acidic by adding minerals such as magnesium and calcium.

While marine-based CDR presents opportunities to store vast quantities of carbon, risks are still relatively unknown and it currently lacks profile in net zero strategies compared to land-based methods. This discussion brings together a panel of experts to explore what needs to be done to better understand the proposed methods, the risks and opportunities of marine CDR, as well as public perceptions and governance aspects.

Panel members:

• Dr Helen Czerski – Ocean Scientist and Science Writer, University College London (Chair)
• Dr Christopher Pearce – Principal Marine Geoscientist, National Oceanographic Centre, University of Southampton
• Professor Ralph Rayner – Professorial Research Fellow, London School of Economics
• Professor Ros Rickaby – Chair of Geology, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford
• Dr Elspeth Spence – Research Associate, Cardiff University

The session will seek to explore the following:

• Developing a better understanding of the proposed techniques and the marine-based CDR value chains, opportunities, risks and challenges that each technique might present;

• The lack of profile of the role of marine-based CDR in the UK net zero strategy; how and when the UK policy space might better accommodate the opportunities that might be realised by marine-based CDR in addressing UK net zero;

• Explore aspects of governance, including the challenges of demonstrating the effectiveness of marine CDR, questions about the timing of its use, and robust and fair frameworks for decision-making on this topic. In addition, we will discuss how best to listen/respond to public concerns, and how to enable open and constructive public discussion on this topic.

This event is hybrid. When you sign up on Eventbrite, you can choose to attend at the Royal Society in London or online.