The ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR)

Proposals must choose one of two options: Option A researches the biogeochemical, ecological and human-health impacts of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement using life-cycle assessment and modelling, since field experiments are out of scope; Option B builds global monitoring, verification and modelling capability to track the effectiveness and durability of marine carbon dioxide removal, including in the deep sea and coastal zones. Both options must include social-sciences, gender and justice perspectives, build on existing infrastructure such as Copernicus and international ocean-observing initiatives, and treat international cooperation as essential. The work is guided by the precautionary principle set out in the London Protocol and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which call for a cautious approach to climate-related geoengineering research.