Carbon Direct, in partnership with Microsoft, has published a set of criteria aimed at improving standards for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) initiatives. The new guidelines focus on monitoring, environmental integrity, social impacts, and the long-term durability of carbon removal efforts in ocean-based settings.
The framework follows recent developments in the technical readiness of certain mCDR technologies and increased market interest in ocean-based carbon removal. It builds on work begun by the two organisations in 2021 to provide science-based guidance for both carbon removal developers and credit purchasers.
The release comes amid warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which states that removing between 100 and 1,000 billion tonnes of CO₂ will be necessary by 2100 to meet climate goals. This implies an annual removal rate of 5 to 10 billion tonnes by mid-century.
The criteria address several key issues in the mCDR space, including community engagement, environmental impact, the establishment of baselines, and the verification and durability of carbon removal. Other areas covered include the prevention of leakage and the importance of robust measurement and reporting frameworks.
“Marine carbon dioxide removal is developing rapidly, but ensuring its safety and effectiveness requires robust standards and transparency,” said Dr Matthew Potts, Chief Science Officer at Carbon Direct.
The criteria will be reviewed and updated annually in response to evolving science and project deployment, as part of what the organisations describe as an ongoing effort to support high-integrity carbon removal practices.
