Toward Responsible and Informed Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Research and Governance Priorities

This report examines seven ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches, advocating for an informed and responsible deployment strategy that balances the urgency of reaching net-zero emissions to limit warming to 1.5°C against the scientific uncertainties and environmental and social risks associated with these technologies.

• The report identifies seven specific ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches currently in various stages of development and deployment: coastal blue carbon restoration, seaweed cultivation, ocean fertilization, alkalinity enhancement, electrochemical approaches, artificial upwelling, and artificial downwelling.
• To limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the document states that net-zero carbon dioxide emissions must be achieved through a combination of unprecedented emissions reductions across all sectors and large-scale carbon dioxide removal.
• Most ocean CDR approaches are currently characterized by early-stage development, high uncertainty regarding efficacy, potential environmental and social risks, and a lack of sufficient governance to ensure they are deployed responsibly.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Toward Responsible and Informed Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Research and Governance Priorities. https://www.wri.org/research/responsible-informed-ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Toward Responsible and Informed Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Research and Governance Priorities. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/responsible-informed-ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Toward Responsible and Informed Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Research and Governance Priorities |url=https://www.wri.org/research/responsible-informed-ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendtoward, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Toward Responsible and Informed Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Research and Governance Priorities}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/responsible-informed-ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }