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Carbon Dioxide Removal


Ocean Iron Fertilization

Ocean Iron Fertilization is the process of adding iron filings to seawater to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton that absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Ocean fertilization seeks to take advantage of the ocean's natural carbon pump, which uses carbon dioxide at the sea surface and incorporates the carbon, via photosynthesis, into biological tissues which can fall or be transported to the deep ocean. Certain areas of the ocean, including the Southern Ocean, have plentiful nutrients but lack iron, a key trace micronutrient that sea plants known as phytoplankton need to grow. So fertilization with iron has been proposed as a means of accelerating the carbon pump and increasing the size of the ocean carbon sink.
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Geoengineering: Ocean Iron Fertilisation and The Law of the Sea

2014
Scholarly Work
Saadi Radcliffe
This paper examines the current state of international law surrounding geoengineering practices involving the sea, with a focus on ocean iron fertilization, to evaluate the law’s appropriateness and effectiveness at regulating this conduct.

Marine Geo-Engineering: Legally Binding Regulation under the London Protocol

2014
Scholarly Work
Harald Ginzky , Robyn Frost
This article explores the 2013 amendments to the London Protocol that regulate ocean fertilization and additional emerging marine geo-engineering activities.

Murky Waters: Ambiguous International Law for Ocean Fertilization and Other Geoengineering

2014
Scholarly Work
Grant Wilson
This article analyzes the Haida Salmon Restoration Corporation's ocean fertilization activities under the London Convention and London Protocol.

2013 Amendment to the London Protocol

2013
International Legal Instrument
Contracting Parties to the London Convention and the London Protocol
Resolution LP .4(8) to regulate ocean iron fertilization.

A Navigational System for Uncharted Waters: The London Convention and London Protocol’s Assessment Framework on Ocean Iron Fertilization

2013
Scholarly Work
Melissa Eick
This article examines the London Convention and London Protocol's measures to bring ocean iron fertilization within their regulatory scope.

International Law in the Anthropocene: Responding to the Geoengineering Challenge

2013
Scholarly Work
Karen N. Scott
This article critically assesses the regulatory regime currently being developed by the parties to the 1996 Protocol to the London Convention with respect to scientific research on ocean iron fertilization.

Regulating Ocean Fertilization under International Law: The Risks

2013
Scholarly Work
Karen N. Scott
This paper explores the regulatory regime for ocean fertilization under the dumping regime, which comprises the 1972 London Convention and 1996 Protocol.

Regulating Geoengineering Research through Domestic Environmental Protection Frameworks: Reflections on the Recent Canadian Ocean Fertilization Case

2013
Scholarly Work
Neil Craik, Jason Blackstock, Anna-Maria Hubert
This article considers the application of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to a controversial ocean iron fertilization project off the coast of British Columbia.

A Matter of Scale: Regional Climate Engineering and the Shortfalls of Multinational Governance

2013
Scholarly Work
Tracy D. Hester
This article explores new ways to regulate climate engineering research through a cumulative bottom-up governance approach that would rely on networks of regional treaties, agreements and resolutions rather than a sweeping international convention.

Regulating Geoengineering in International Environmental Law

2013
Scholarly Work
Tuomas Kuokkanen , Yulia Yamineva
The article shows how regulating geoengineering activities, including ocean iron fertilization, through existing environmental protection regimes may lead to a governance and legal landscape that is fragmented, incoherent, and incomprehensive.

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