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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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Dumping Iron and Trading Carbon

2008
Think Tank Report
Hugh Powell
This article provides insight from lawyers and economists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution September 2007 conference on the topic of ocean iron fertilization and regulated carbon markets.

A/RES/62/215 Resolution on Oceans and the Law of the Sea

2008
International Legal Instrument
United Nations General Assembly
Resolution that encourages States to support the further study and enhance understanding of ocean iron fertilization.

Dumping Iron and Trading Carbon

2008
News/Commentary
Hugh Powell
This article provides insight from a conference convened at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on the role of carbon markets in ocean iron fertilization activities.

LC-LP.1/Circ.14: Statement of Concern Regarding Iron Fertilization of the Oceans to Sequester CO2

2007
International Legal Instrument
International Maritime Organization
Statement of concern from the Scientific Groups to the London Convention and London Protocol regarding iron fertilization of the oceans to sequester CO2.

Iron Fertilization in the Ocean for Climate Mitigation: Legal, Economic, and Environmental Challenges

2007
Scholarly Work
Raphael Sagarin, Megan Dawson, David Karl, Anthony Michael, Brian Murray, Michael Orbach, Nicole St. Clair
This paper is aimed to provide lawmakers, non-government organizations, the public and business interests with a brief overview of iron fertilization and its potential benefits and risks.

Geoengineering: A Climate Change Manhattan Project

2003
Scholarly Work
Jay Michaelson
This Article argues that the lack of success in climate change policy stems from the exclusive focus of policymakers on various forms of preventive regulation.

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA)

1972
Enacted Legislation
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), also known as the Ocean Dumping Act, prohibits dumping into the ocean material that would unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the marine environment.

Congressional Testimony of Ernest J. Moniz

2020
Hearings and Testimony
Ernest J. Moniz
Testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing to examine the challenges and opportunities for large-scale carbon management.

Clearing the Air: A Federal RD&D Initiative and Management Plan for Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies

2019
Think Tank Report
Energy Futures Initiative
This report provides a set of recommendations and detailed implementation plans for a 10-year, $10.7 billion research, development, and demonstration initiative in the United States to bring new pathways for technological CDR to commercial readiness.

Not an Intractable Challenge: Geoengineering MSR in ABNJ

2021
Scholarly Work
Karen Scott
This book chapter examines the rules relating to marine scientific research (MSR) as they apply to marine geoengineering taking place in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)

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