Impacts of mCDR and SRM on Ocean Biodiversity: What We Know, What We Don’t, and What Research Is Needed

​Biodiversity concerns are often raised in SRM and mCDR discussions, yet little research has directly examined how different approaches could affect ocean biodiversity and dependent communities. Key gaps remain around both potential risks and how ecological outcomes under carbon removal and intervention scenarios would compare with continued warming.

​As interest in this research grows, biodiversity communities have an opportunity to shape the agenda, identify knowledge gaps, and ensure ecosystem considerations are integrated. This session will explore what is known, what remains uncertain, and what ecological assessment, monitoring, modeling, and experimental research is needed to support informed decision-making, with a focus on marine systems and dependent communities.

​A broader, biodiversity-centered conversation is needed to assess potential effects on ocean circulation, productivity, fisheries, species distributions, food webs, and ecosystem functioning across these approaches.

​Speakers:

• ​Adela Hankus, Communications and Members Manager, Climate Strategies

• ​Ann Marie Hulver, Research Fellow, Climate Systems Engineering initiative, University of Chicago

• ​Marcos Silva, Director of Policy Engagement, The Degrees Initiative

• ​John Tracey, Research Fellow, Climate Systems Engineering initiative, University of Chicago

• ​Leonardo Valenzuela Pérez, Senior Director of International Partnerships and Policy, Ocean Visions

​Co-organizers: Emerging Climate Frontiers, Ocean Visions