Researchers explore avenues to enhance ocean carbon capture

Innovative marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) strategies are being explored by startups such as Running Tide to increase the ocean's natural CO2 absorption using techniques that include sinking biomass and enhancing ocean alkalinity. The ocean absorbs 30% of anthropogenic CO2, but according to the IPCC, significantly more removal is needed to keep global temperature rise within 1.5C. The US Department of Energy supports these efforts with a recent $36m investment in research. However, the effectiveness and ecological safety of these methods remain under scrutiny, with the need for cautious implementation and further study. (Yale E360)