Co-Chairs
Prof. Dr. Andreas Oschlies // GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel
Dr. Nadine Mengis // GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel
Prof. Dr. Alexander Proelß // University of Hamburg, Faculty of Law
The research mission CDRmare
Research Mission of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM) »Marine Carbon Sinks in Decarbonization Pathways«
The ocean contains more than 50 times as much carbon as the atmosphere. It has, so far, strongly mitigated anthropogenic CO2 effects by taking up about a quarter of the anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Yet, this oceanic share of climate mitigation is expected to decrease because ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation and other human-induced perturbations deteriorate the physical, chemical and biological capacities of the ocean to sequester carbon. While this further underlines the need for urgent emission reductions, all projected pathways that limit warming to 1.5 degrees additionally require the use of active removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Current scenarios, such as those used by the IPCC, generally focus on land-based Carbon Dioxide Removal methods. However, meeting climate mitigation targets with land-based methods alone, will be extremely difficult if not impossible. Knowledge on how the ocean might contribute to the required decarbonization effort is limited. In order to support pathways that achieve the Paris Agreement goals, the Research Mission CDRmare will address as to whether and to what extent the ocean can play a substantial role in removing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere.
In order to investigate how the marine carbon reservoirs can be utilised most sustainably, the researchers involved are also looking at the interrelationships with and effects on the marine environment, the earth system and society. They are also investigating suitable approaches for monitoring, attribution and accounting of marine carbon storage in a changing environment. When analysing individual measures aimed at improving marine carbon sinks, their potential, risks and co-benefits are considered and economic, political, social and legal implications are assessed.
In close dialogue with stakeholders, members of the inter- and transdisciplinary research mission CDRmare have developed a new assessment framework for marine CO2 removal methods and projects in the first funding phase (2021-2024). The researchers are also involved in important climate policy strategy processes at the national and regional levels. They aim to inform decision-makers in politics, business and civil society openly, promptly and transparently.
