Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR), Canada’s Missing Climate Strategy

A new policy brief urges Canada to adopt a national strategy for mCDR research, development, and regulation

By the Waterloo Climate Institute

International negotiators are meeting in London, UK, this week to discuss the London Protocol, a treaty on marine pollution control. A key topic at this gathering will be marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), a set of methods that leverage the ocean’s biological and chemical characteristics to reduce atmospheric CO2. As Canada continues to show minimal progress towards its our 2050 net-zero emissions commitment through decarbonization and electrification efforts, mCDR is becoming a critical climate strategy option for Canada. A new policy brief from the Waterloo Climate Institute outlines strategies for the federal government in the adoption of mCDR research, development, and regulation.

While mCDR offers promising pathways for carbon removal, it is not a substitute for reducing GHG emissions. The mCDR techniques used should complement broader climate mitigation efforts, and its deployment must be managed with caution to avoid unintended environmental and social risks. To navigate this complex landscape, the federal government must act swiftly to develop a coordinated research strategy and regulatory framework that ensures transparency, public engagement, and responsible development of mCDR in Canada.

Authors Neil Craik, Hope Elizabeth Tracey, and Kasra Motlaghzadeh outline the current state of mCDR in Canada and offer recommendations to integrate mCDR into Canada’s national climate strategy and take a leadership position in the development and regulation of mCDR.

Given Canada’s coastline—the longest in the world—mCDR techniques are particularly relevant. However, these techniques come with environmental, political, and social challenges that must be addressed through coordinated policymaking. Neil Craik, professor in the Faculty of Environment and Waterloo Climate Institute member shares that “Canada needs a national mCDR research strategy that leverages Canada’s existing expertise across industry, government, academia, and civil society.” He emphasizes that “by developing a dedicated research platform, Canada can foster interdisciplinary collaboration engaging with international partners and align with global initiatives. This approach is vital to making Canada a leader in this area.”

mCDR Researchers — The authors of the new policy brief on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) in Canada. All the authors are affiliated with the University of Waterloo, Climate Institute and Balsillie School of International Affairs.

The policy brief also highlights the importance of public engagement, particularly with Indigenous and coastal communities. Public education and outreach are critical to raising awareness of mCDR. Engaging these communities in meaningful dialogue will ensure that their perspectives are incorporated into research and policy decisions, which is essential for building trust and securing support for mCDR experimentation.

Furthermore, the policy brief calls for aligning domestic regulation of mCDR with Canada’s international commitments under the London Protocol, a global treaty on the Control and Prevention of Marine Pollution. Alignment would ensure the environmental impacts of mCDR are adequately assessed, while providing clear guidelines for experimental activities. A robust regulatory framework will reduce uncertainty, protect marine ecosystems, and create a stable environment for private sector investment.