Marine Scientists Call for Rules on Marine Carbon Dioxide Sequestration – Marine Technology News

Report on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Advancing SDG 13 through Marine Carbon Sequestration

An international consortium of marine scientists has published a brief addressing marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR), a method aimed at sequestering atmospheric CO2 in the ocean. This initiative directly supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) by exploring strategies to mitigate climate change. The findings are detailed in the European Marine Board’s Future Science Brief No. 13, ‘Monitoring, Reporting and Verification for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal’, authored by a working group of thirteen international researchers, including Prof. Dr Andreas Oschlies of GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel.

The Imperative for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Systems

The report’s central thesis is that the safe, transparent, and effective implementation of any mCDR strategy is contingent upon the establishment of reliable Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. According to the scientific group, these systems are essential for accountability and responsible innovation.

• Monitoring: To track the precise quantity of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.
• Reporting: To transparently document the duration for which the carbon is stored.
• Verification: To independently assess and confirm any environmental impacts, positive or negative.

Dr Helene Muri, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), stated, “No marine carbon dioxide removal method currently has a sufficiently robust and comprehensive MRV system in place,” which presently prevents any assurance of efficient and safe implementation.

Safeguarding SDG 14: Life Below Water Amidst Climate Intervention

A primary concern highlighted in the brief is the potential impact of mCDR activities on marine ecosystems, a critical component of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Significant research gaps currently complicate the evaluation of risks and benefits, preventing a full understanding of the consequences for marine biodiversity and ocean health.

1. Process Impact: It is not yet fully understood how different mCDR methods affect fundamental ocean processes.
2. Storage Permanence: The longevity of carbon storage in the ocean remains uncertain.
3. Side Effects: The potential for unintended side effects on the marine environment requires further investigation through laboratory studies, mesocosm experiments, and advanced modelling.

Prof. Dr Andreas Oschlies emphasized that responsible climate policy requires reliable data, stating, “we can only make responsible decisions about if and where they can be applied once we fully understand their effectiveness and possible side effects in the marine environment.”

Strengthening Governance for Sustainable Oceans (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

The report draws critical attention to significant governance challenges, which must be addressed to align mCDR with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The current lack of a dedicated regulatory environment poses a barrier to responsible development.

• There are currently no dedicated legal or institutional frameworks for MRV systems related to mCDR.
• The existing systems are fragmented, lacking cohesion and universal standards.

The brief calls for “harmonised and binding rules that provide transparency” to protect marine ecosystems. The international collaboration of researchers from institutions in Germany, Norway, and France exemplifies the approach required by Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to build the scientific and institutional capacity needed to address this global challenge.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Emissions Reduction

The scientists unequivocally stress that while mCDR may offer a supportive role, it cannot replace the primary and most urgent climate priority. The rapid and substantial reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions must remain the foremost objective in all climate action strategies.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action: The entire article is centered on a climate change mitigation strategy, specifically marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), and the need for responsible implementation.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The article explicitly discusses the marine environment, the potential “side effects” and “environmental impacts” of mCDR on marine ecosystems, and the necessity of protecting them.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The text highlights significant governance gaps, pointing out the absence of “dedicated legal or institutional frameworks” and the need for “harmonised and binding rules” to ensure transparency and accountability.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The initiative described in the article involves an “international group of leading marine scientists” and the “European Marine Board,” showcasing international scientific collaboration to address a global challenge.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article’s call for “responsible climate policy” and the development of governance frameworks for mCDR directly supports this target.
• Under SDG 14 (Life Below Water):
  • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts. The core message of the article is the need to understand and prevent “possible side effects in the marine environment” before implementing mCDR methods.
  • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology. The article emphasizes that “key research gaps” exist and calls for more “observational data, modelling approaches and technological innovations” to understand mCDR.
• Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The demand for “transparent” Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems and the creation of “dedicated legal or institutional frameworks” aligns perfectly with this target.
• Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
  • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The article itself is a product of such cooperation, involving a working group of “thirteen researchers from an international working group.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article explicitly and implicitly suggests several indicators for measuring progress:

• Indicator for Carbon Removal Effectiveness (related to SDG 13): The article states that a reliable MRV system must track “how much CO2 is removed.” This is a direct quantitative indicator of the effectiveness of mCDR methods.
• Indicator for Carbon Storage Permanence (related to SDG 13): The MRV system must also track “how long it [carbon] is stored.” This measures the long-term viability and success of the sequestration.
• Indicator for Environmental Impact (related to SDG 14): A key metric mentioned is the tracking of “any potential environmental impacts” and “possible side effects in the marine environment.” This would involve monitoring ocean processes and ecosystem health where mCDR is applied.
• Indicator for Governance and Institutional Strength (related to SDG 16): The development and establishment of “harmonised and binding rules” and “dedicated legal or institutional frameworks” for mCDR would serve as a clear indicator of progress in governance.
• Indicator for Scientific Collaboration and Knowledge (related to SDG 14 & 17): The number and scope of international research efforts, such as the “German research mission CDRmare,” and the publication of scientific documents like the “Future Science Brief No. 13” can be used as indicators of increasing scientific knowledge and partnership.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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