Publication

Marines CDR: What is feasible – and what is desirable?

Bewertung mariner CDR-Methoden

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© Rita Erven, CDRmare

In order to achieve its goal of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, Germany will have to drastically reduce its emissions and remove additional CO₂ from the atmosphere. However, decisions on the use of marine CDR-methods must not only focus on their technical, legal and political feasibility. The potential consequences for humans and nature must also be assessed in a structured and uniform manner.

With the increasing pressure to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, marine methods are also coming into focus. But how can we make a sound assessment of whether a method is actually suitable – and how can it be used responsibly? In two new publications, researchers from the BMBF research programs CDRmare and CDRterra now present an assessment guideline that makes this possible.

Evaluation of marine CO₂ removal technologies: gaps in previous schemes

The aim is to create a scientifically sound, interdisciplinary basis for decision-making – going beyond purely technical feasibility issues. The guideline was primarily developed by experts from the project ASMASYS of the CDRmare programme. A number of CDRterra scientists were also involved in the project.

“The question of whether and how a CDR-method should be implemented depends on its effectiveness and economic viability as well as its impact on people and the environment. However, this question cannot be addressed systematically with the schemes known to date. Here, we show how it can be done better and provide stakeholders with a structured guideline for the assessment of marine CDR projects. They can use it to tackle all key aspects and ultimately make informed decisions.” explains CDRterra researcher JProf. Dr. Christian Baatz, climate and environmental ethicist at Kiel University.

New guideline with 29 criteria for evaluating CDR methods in the ocean

The guideline includes 29 evaluation criteria, divided into seven fields – from legal and technical feasibility to environmental ethics and social justice. It was tested in several workshops together with authorities and associations and is intended to support political decision-makers and stakeholders.

Sustainable basis for decision-making on marine CDR projects

Prof. Dr. Gregor Rehder, chemist at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) and former head of the ASMASYS, also emphasizes: “The final decision as to whether a specific marine CDR project should be implemented is left to those with political and social responsibilities. In the best case scenario, they will opt for effective projects and methods that are technically, legally and politically feasible as well as viable, fair and environmentally compatible. Our assessment framework can support them in this.”

Bewertungsrahmen für marine CDR-methden

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© © Rita Erven, CDRterra und das ASMASYS-Team

The guideline divides the assessment of marine CDR methods into seven equally important fields. The diagram shows how feasibility and desirability are considered separately and recorded across disciplines.

A comprehensive assessment framework soon for all CDR methods

CDRterra researchers are currently developing a comprehensive assessment framework for all CDR methods, including land-based methods. This is intended to serve as a tool for political decision-makers and stakeholders from industry and associations to assess the ecological, techno-economic, political and social aspects of CDR methods for Germany as comprehensively as possible. Their participation in the assessment framework for marine CDR methods provides them with valuable insights.

Further German information on the new assessment guideline can be found in the CDRmare-factsheet:

To the scientific publications: A holistic assessment framework for marine carbon dioxide removal options and Distinguish between feasibility and desirability when assessing climate response options.