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Testing the climate intervention potential of ocean afforestation using the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Testing the climate intervention potential of ocean afforestation using the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt

L. T. Bach, V. Tamsitt, et al.

This research delves into the promising yet complex world of ocean afforestation, using the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt to examine its potential for carbon dioxide removal. Conducted by authors including Lennart T. Bach and Veronica Tamsitt, this study uncovers unexpected biogeochemical feedbacks that could challenge the efficacy of this innovative climate solution.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study analyzes the potential of ocean afforestation, specifically using the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB) as a natural analogue, for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The authors find that biogeochemical feedbacks, such as nutrient reallocation and calcification, significantly reduce CDR efficacy. Atmospheric CO2 influx after CO2 fixation by Sargassum is slow, potentially hindering CDR verification. Furthermore, increased ocean albedo due to Sargassum could influence climate radiative forcing more than Sargassum-CDR. The analysis highlights the complex Earth-system feedbacks affecting ocean afforestation's efficacy.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
May 07, 2021
Authors
Lennart T. Bach, Veronica Tamsitt, Jim Gower, Catriona L. Hurd, John A. Raven, Philip W. Boyd
Tags
ocean afforestation
carbon dioxide removal
Sargassum
biogeochemical feedbacks
climate radiative forcing
Earth-system feedbacks
Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt

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