Ocean carbon removal projects expand amid concerns over safety and effectiveness
Ocean carbon removal projects expand amid concerns over safety and effectiveness
A growing number of companies are investing in ocean-based carbon removal projects to combat rising ocean acidification, according to a report published by The Guardian. The latest and largest of these deals was announced in October 2024, when a US-based firm signed a multimillion-dollar agreement with a major tech company to remove carbon using ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE).
This method adds alkaline substances to seawater to neutralize acidity caused by carbon absorption.
The ocean absorbs around 30% of excess atmospheric carbon, resulting in increased acidity that affects marine ecosystems, especially shell-forming creatures.
While firms claim OAE can help restore ocean balance and support biodiversity, marine scientists caution that the long-term impacts are not yet fully understood. Over-alkalisation may trigger unwanted chemical reactions, such as the formation of mineral pollutants that could harm marine life.
Despite these uncertainties, investment in carbon removal is accelerating. Purchases in the broader carbon removal market have surged from £41 million in 2022 to over £1.9 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting growth could reach £37 billion by 2030. Critics argue that scientific, legal, and regulatory frameworks have not kept pace with this rapid development.
Previous OAE trials, such as one conducted off the UK coast, sparked public backlash over environmental concerns and transparency. While supporters emphasize the need for scalable solutions to climate change, experts are calling for more rigorous testing and oversight to ensure these technologies are safe, effective, and accountable.
