Future Tense Can the oceans solve our carbon removal problems?
May 8, 2025
James Kerry, a Senior Marine and Climate Scientist, and Brad Ack, CEO of Ocean Visions, dive into the potential of oceans as carbon sinks. They discuss innovative marine carbon dioxide removal (MCDR) methods and the challenges that accompany them. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration and effective regulatory frameworks to avoid ecological harm. They also critique current carbon markets, advocating for a transformative approach that emphasizes accountability and responsible practices for the future of climate action.
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Ocean's Huge Carbon Storage Potential
- The ocean already absorbs 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions, showing its massive potential for carbon removal.
- Increasing carbon storage even by 1-2% in the deep ocean could significantly address the carbon problem we face.
Challenges of Ocean Carbon Technologies
- Many marine carbon removal technologies face challenges like inefficiency, high energy cost, and questionable scalability.
- Some proposed methods might actually increase CO2 release rather than remove it effectively.
Marine Carbon Removal Environmental Risks
- Large-scale marine CO2 removal could harm marine ecosystems, killing larvae and fish in vast numbers.
- Interfering with natural ocean processes risks undermining the ocean's role in climate regulation.