- New science-based criteria – Carbon Direct and Microsoft release guidelines to ensure high-quality, scalable marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).
- Supporting durable carbon removal – The standards focus on environmental integrity, monitoring, durability, and social impact.
- Guiding responsible deployment – As mCDR investments grow, the criteria aim to ensure safe, effective, and transparent implementation.
Carbon removal must scale dramatically to meet global climate goals. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 100–1000 billion metric tonnes (GtCO₂) must be removed by 2100 to keep warming in check.
Carbon Direct, in collaboration with Microsoft, has released new criteria for high-quality mCDR to set rigorous standards for project development and carbon credit purchases. These criteria address social and environmental safeguards, ensuring that mCDR solutions are effective and responsible.
“With rapid technological progress and increased investment, marine carbon dioxide removal has the potential to deliver durable, large-scale CO₂ removal—potentially billions of tonnes per year in the coming decades,” said Brian Marrs, Senior Director, Energy Markets at Microsoft. “By establishing rigorous new mCDR criteria, we aim to help project developers build high-integrity solutions that maximize both environmental and social benefits.”
“mCDR is at a pivotal moment. Achieving high-quality outcomes requires rigorous monitoring, transparency, and scientific integrity to ensure safe and effective deployment,” said Dr. Matthew Potts, Chief Science Officer at Carbon Direct. “Given the vast spatial scale, the data-intensive nature of ocean-based carbon removal, and the deep connection between these projects and marine ecosystems, clear standards are essential for responsible development.”
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The criteria set clear guidance for high-quality mCDR projects, focusing on:
- Social impact and community engagement
- Environmental risks and benefits
- Additionality and baseline requirements
- Measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV)
- Durability of carbon storage
- Addressing carbon leakage risks
Carbon Direct and Microsoft will refine these criteria annually, adapting to advancements in mCDR technology and market developments. Their goal: to drive high-integrity, scalable carbon removal solutions that align with global climate targets.
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