This webinar, co-hosted by the Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy and the Environmental the Policy & Culture Program at Northwestern University will examine the prospects for two potential ocean-based carbon removal approaches, artificial ocean upwelling and downwelling, to effectuate large-scale sequestration of carbon dioxide.

Artificial Ocean Upwelling refers to approaches that seek to boost primary production of marine organisms that take up carbon dioxide, including phytoplankton and macroalgae, by moving nutrient-rich waters upward in the water column. Brian von Herzen, Executive Director of the Climate Foundation, will make the case that marine permaculture can help to restore natural upwelling using marine solar, wave and wind energy, as well as providing co-benefits, including improved food security.

Artificial Ocean Downwelling refers to approaches that can enhance downward transport of cold CO2-saturated surface waters for storage up to hundreds to thousands of years. David Koweek, Science Director of Ocean Visions, will cover the fundamental principles, state of the technology, critical obstacles, development needs, and near-term opportunities for artificial downwelling. Furthermore, he will discuss policy and governance gaps for this technology in need of development.