Global climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is necessary to adopt negative emission technologies to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean, covering 70% of the Earth's surface, holds immense potential as a carbon sink. As a result, Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions Technologies (ONCET) have become a hot topic of research in recent years.
However, the large-scale application of ONCET may pose potential risks to marine ecosystems. For example, ocean fertilization could trigger harmful algal blooms and alter marine food web structures, while artificial upwelling might bring deep-sea low-oxygen waters to the surface, negatively impacting marine life. Therefore, before developing and deploying ONCET, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive ecological risk assessments and formulate corresponding risk management strategies.
The urgency of addressing climate change and exploring ONCET has been underscored by several recent events and initiatives:
The 2023 IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report emphasized the critical role of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, including ocean-based solutions, in limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The Ocean Decade (2021-2030), led by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, has identified "A Clean Ocean" and "A Predicted Ocean" as key challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable ocean-based climate solutions.
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) resulted in unprecedented recognition and momentum for linking efforts to address the climate and biodiversity crises. The decision emphasizes “the importance of conserving, protecting and restoring nature and ecosystems towards achieving the Paris agreement temperature goal” through protecting “terrestrial and marine ecosystems acting as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases and by conserving biodiversity.” This is the first time such a pledge has garnered formal recognition under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Recent advancements in ONCET research, such as the development of electrochemical ocean carbon capture and the deployment of large-scale seaweed farming projects, have sparked both optimism and concerns about their ecological impacts.
Growing international collaborations, such as the Ocean Visions Biennial Summit 2023, have brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the responsible development of ocean-based CDR technologies.
This Research Topic aims to gather the latest research findings in the field of ONCET and its ecological risks, providing a platform for scientists, policymakers, and the public to exchange ideas and engage in discussions. We welcome original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and commentaries on topics including but not limited to:
• Development and application of novel ONCET
• Potential impacts of ONCET on marine organisms, ecosystem functions, and services
• Methods for ecological risk assessment and management strategies for ONCET
• Socioeconomic impacts and policy regulations related to ONCET
• Public perception and participation in ONCET
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