Tackling climate change requires a multi-pronged approach, combining emission reductions with large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR). A recent study explores the potential synergies between afforestation (planting new forests) and oceanic CDR techniques, offering a promising dual strategy to alleviate pressure on land areas.The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, employed advanced modeling to assess the interplay between these two CDR methods. Their findings reveal that a strategic combination could substantially reduce the land area required for afforestation, a crucial consideration given the competing demands for agricultural and urban land use.

“By leveraging the vast carbon absorption capacity of the oceans, we can potentially offset a significant portion of the land-based CDR efforts,” explains lead author Dr. Emily Jones from the University of Cambridge. “This integrated approach not only eases the strain on terrestrial ecosystems but also diversifies our climate mitigation portfolio.”

The study highlights that oceanic CDR techniques, such as ocean alkalinization and artificial upwelling, could sequester up to 25% of the required CDR by 2100, thereby reducing the land area needed for afforestation by a staggering 23%. This synergy presents a unique opportunity to balance ecological preservation and climate action.

As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and land degradation, this research underscores the importance of exploring innovative solutions that span multiple domains. By combining the natural carbon-capturing abilities of forests with the vast potential of ocean-based CDR, we can forge a more sustainable path toward achieving the Paris Agreement goals.