Microsoft and Carbon Direct set new standards for marine carbon dioxide removal

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🗞️ Driving the news: Microsoft and Carbon Direct have launched a new standard for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), aiming to ensure ocean-based CO₂ removal methods are scientifically rigorous, durable, and environmentally safe
• The framework outlines high-quality criteria for projects using methods like Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) and Direct Ocean Removal (DOR)
• It comes as Microsoft deepens its commitment to becoming carbon negative by 2030

🔭 The context: The ocean absorbs roughly 30% of human-caused CO₂ emissions and is a key frontier in carbon removal innovation
• The new standards target a growing but unregulated sector, aiming to set benchmarks for MRV (monitoring, reporting, and verification), environmental impact, and social responsibility
• Microsoft and Carbon Direct hope to make mCDR a credible component in global carbon markets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Achieving net-zero targets will require removing 7–9 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually by 2050—mCDR could play a vital role
• However, ocean-based carbon removal poses ecological risks and faces credibility concerns without clear governance
• Establishing robust standards improves transparency, accountability, and investor confidence in the mCDR space

⏭️ What's next: Developers of mCDR projects will need to follow strict criteria for environmental integrity, carbon permanence, and community engagement
• The new framework is expected to shape future policy, guide investment, and scale high-integrity ocean carbon solutions
• Microsoft and Carbon Direct will continue refining the standard through stakeholder input and scientific validation

💬 One quote: “mCDR is at a pivotal moment... clear standards are essential for responsible development,” - Dr Matthew Potts, Chief Science Officer at Carbon Direct

📈 One stat: To meet the Paris Agreement targets, the world must scale carbon removal from 2 to 9 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually by 2050

See here detailed sustainability performance of companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and JetBlue

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