National Academies Updates Research Blueprint for Ocean Carbon Removal
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines key uncertainties in ocean-based carbon dioxide removal, including scalability, measurement, environmental impacts, and governance. The update builds on a 2022 assessment and reflects rapid developments in research, technology, and private-sector involvement. A standing committee was established in 2025 to keep the strategy current amid changing scientific and political contexts.
The updated report revisits six marine CDR approaches first assessed in 2022, reflecting how the field has shifted from theoretical study toward active field testing and commercial interest. A standing committee formed in 2025 now oversees the strategy's evolution, responding to rapid changes in research, technology, and the broader political landscape.
Key uncertainties persist across all approaches, including whether they can achieve meaningful carbon removal at scale, how to verify that removal reliably, what environmental consequences may arise, and which governance frameworks should apply. The report serves as a living document rather than a static assessment, acknowledging that scientific and societal conditions continue to shift.
This report could shape how governments, researchers, and private companies approach ocean-based climate solutions in coming years. If uncertainties around measurement and environmental impacts remain unresolved, regulators may hesitate to approve large-scale testing, potentially slowing commercial investment. Conversely, clearer research priorities could accelerate responsible development. Coastal communities and marine ecosystems are most directly affected, as field trials may occur in their waters. The standing committee's ongoing role suggests this issue will remain dynamic, with societal decisions likely influenced by how quickly these knowledge gaps close.