Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Deep Dive and Reception: New Research, Emerging Governance and the Path to COP32
With the possibility of overshooting the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target on the horizon, governments face the responsibility of both accelerating deep emissions reductions while responsibly evaluating carbon dioxide removal. The ocean, a central theme of COP31, is the world’s largest natural carbon sink. Engineered methods to accelerate this natural process (ocean-based or marine carbon dioxide removal, mCDR) may play a role in helping society meet these needs.
Research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal is advancing, and some pathways (e.g., ocean alkalinity enhancement) show early promise. A growing body of evidence from laboratory studies, field research, modeling, and measurement and monitoring efforts aims to close critical knowledge gaps on safety and effectiveness. At the same time, governments are strengthening the governance needed to evaluate that evidence and guide responsible research.
This event will take stock of both: what recent mCDR research is telling us about its potential, uncertainties, and outstanding questions, and how emerging national and international governance can provide greater regulatory clarity while protecting the ocean. These two deep dives will be capped by announcements of various global and regional mCDR initiatives that aim to support strong science and effective governance.
AGENDA
4:00 - 4:30 PM | Networking with light snacks
4:30–4:35 PM | Welcome: A Moment of Progress and Learning
Brief opening remarks will frame the event around: 1) the need for carbon removal as a complement to deep emissions reductions 2) the potential for emerging research and governance frameworks to support the responsible development of the field and 3) opportunities for government collaboration
Amb. Ali Mohammed, Climate Change Envoy, Executive Office of the President of Kenya (invited)
4:35- 5:05 PM | Session 1: The State of Research: What Are We Learning?
mCDR research is aimed at answering 3 questions: does mCDR work, is it safe, and can it scale responsibly? Panelists from research organizations, government, and universities will provide perspectives on 1) the latest research findings from various mCDR pathways 2) what we need to know to be able to compare mCDR against other CDR methods3) what we know about environmental and community impacts, and key research and policy needs going forward.
Dr Antonius Gagern, Executive Director, Carbon to Sea Initiative
Dr. Andrew Lenton, Director, CarbonLock, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia
Dr. Kalina Grabb, Postdoctoral Fellow and CONVERGE CDR Research Lead, Dalhousie University
Various Government Panelists, Invitations Pending
5:05–5:35 PM | Session 2: A New Chapter for mCDR Governance
As research on mCDR advances, governments are working at national, regional, and international scales to advance governance pathways. This session will feature perspectives at each of these levels, including: the implications of the recent adaption of mCDR assessment frameworks under the London Convention and Protocol; national efforts to provide policy clarity on mCDR, and regional initiatives to develop mCDR priorities and pathways forward.
Moderator: Aarthi Ananthanarayanan, Advisor, Global Engagement, Carbon to Sea Initiative
Dr. John Mimikakis, Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund
Doug Edwards, CEO, Vesta
Various Government Panelists, Invitations Pending
5:35 – 6:00 PM | Looking Ahead: What Would Responsible Progress Look Like by COP32?
Announcements on emerging initiatives and opportunities: 2-3 speakers provide announcements on opportunities where governments can take action to advance the ideas in the session.
Dr. Mariam Swaleh, Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya
Ernest Ofori, Emerging Climate Frontiers, Ghana
Chris Neidl, Climate Champions Team CDR Lead
Dr. John Mimikakis, Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund
6:00 - 6:30pm | Networking Reception