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Ocean fertilization for geoengineering: A review of effectiveness, environmental impacts and emerging governance

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 04:02 authored by Williamson, P, Wallace, DWR, Law, CS, Philip BoydPhilip Boyd, Collos, Y, Croot, P, Denman, K, Riebessel, U, Takeda, S, Vivian, C
Dangerous climate change is best avoided by drastically and rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, geoengineering options are receiving attention on the basis that additional approaches may also be necessary. Here we review the state of knowledge on large-scale ocean fertilization by adding iron or other nutrients, either from external sources or via enhanced ocean mixing. On the basis of small-scale field experiments carried out to date and associated modelling, the maximum benefits of ocean fertilization as a negative emissions technique are likely to be modest in relation to anthropogenic climate forcing. Furthermore, it would be extremely challenging to quantify with acceptable accuracy the carbon removed from circulation on a long term basis, and to adequately monitor unintended impacts over large space and time-scales. These and other technical issues are particularly problematic for the region with greatest theoretical potential for the application of ocean fertilization, the Southern Ocean. Arrangements for the international governance of further field-based research on ocean fertilization are currently being developed, primarily under the London Convention/London Protocol.

History

Publication title

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Volume

90

Issue

6

Pagination

475-488

ISSN

0957-5820

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Inst Chemical Engineers

Place of publication

165-189 Railway Terrace, Davis Bldg, Rugby, England, Cv21 3Br

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Climate change mitigation strategies

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    University Of Tasmania

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