Enhancing the ocean's role in Co2 mitigation

Abstract

The equivalent of about 1/4 of annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions is absorbed and stored by the ocean, and the sea plays the primary role in naturally removing excess atmospheric CO2 on geologic timescales. Ways of safely enhancing or augmenting this carbon uptake and storage therefore have the potential to contribute significantly to atmospheric CO2 stabilization efforts. Various physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid strategies of increasing ocean CO2 uptake or reducing CO2 leakage have been proposed. Further research is needed to better determine the full range of options and their costs, benefits, impacts, and overall desirability as CO2 mitigation methods.