The wild wild west in our oceans? : the role of start-ups in marine CDR / publisher: Umweltbundesamt ; authors: Dr. Stephanie Helber, Dr. Ulrike Döring & Dr. Wera Leujak, Fachgebiet II 2.3, Dr. Harald Ginzky, Fachgebiet II 2.1

Abstract

Global efforts to reduce emissions remain inadequate which resulted in an increasing need for negative emission technologies that actively remove and permanently sequester CO₂ from the atmosphere. We highlight the rapid growth of commercial mCDR start-ups, despite limited research and potential irreversible harm to marine ecosystems. These activities appear uncoordinated, lack oversight, and show no evidence of compliance with international frameworks such as the London Protocol. Our study underscores the urgent need for its ratification. / This paper investigates the role of start-ups in marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Based on a review of literature and information available on the internet, it summarizes the development of mCDR start-ups with regards to their numbers, their locations and the economic settings including their funding. It also shows which mCDR techniques are predominantly researched or even already deployed. The paper further identifies the challenges due to the rapid development of mCDR start-ups, including risks for the marine environment, the need for reliable monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) mechanisms as well as ethical concerns. Finally, observations regarding the legal framework mainly on international level are outlined. The conclusions evaluate the significance of mCDR start-ups in combating anthropogenic climate change and highlight the urgency of responsible national and international governance of mCDR.