Jump directly to page content

Search suggestions appear when at least 2 characters are entered. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the suggestions.

Measurement and Reporting for Responsible Marine CO2 Removal (MAR-CO2)

Removing CO2 from the atmosphere (Carbon Dioxide Removal, CDR) is essential to achieving greenhouse gas neutrality in Germany, Europe and globally. A wide range of terrestrial, geological and marine CDR (mCDR) approaches are therefore being researched and developed. These approaches present significant uncertainties regarding not only their technical feasibility but also their ecological, socio-political, legal, and economic implications. The European Commission has emphasized the need for legitimate multi- and transdisciplinary research into mCDR and its governance to support improved decision-making at national, European, and global levels.

The EU Horizon-funded MAR-CO2 project investigates how marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) can be governed responsibly through scientifically credible, socially robust, and environmentally responsible monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems. As interest in mCDR grows, so too does the need for effective technical and regulatory frameworks capable of ensuring transparency, accountability, and environmental integrity across local, national, European, and global scales.

Bringing together expertise in law, political science, governance, and public engagement, the project examines how mCDR MRV can be integrated into existing and emerging governance frameworks. MAR-CO2 maps the evolving stakeholder landscape surrounding mCDR, identifying key actors, regulatory gaps, societal concerns, and emerging political coalitions. It also investigates how citizens across Europe perceive potential MRV approaches and what they consider fair, effective, durable, and trustworthy governance.

The project combines qualitative and quantitative social science methods - including interviews, focus groups, surveys, network analysis, and governance scenario workshops - to co-develop socially robust governance pathways for mCDR. By evaluating governance frameworks under conditions of political, societal, and environmental uncertainty, MAR-CO2 aims to generate practical recommendations for resilient, equitable, and legitimate governance arrangements.

Ultimately, MAR-CO2 aims to support the development of integrated and justice-oriented MRV governance frameworks that strengthen regulatory coherence and institutional accountability for mCDR, while safeguarding marine ecosystems and advancing long-term climate goals.

Collaborative project, Lead: Helmholz Zentrum Hereon

Duration: August 2026 – July 2030

Funding: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Project Lead