In What Ways Can Marine Social Science Support Ocean Negative Carbon Emission Strategies

As climate change accelerates, ocean negative carbon emission (ONCE) technologies are emerging as essential tools to enhance carbon sequestration and storage in the ocean. However, effective implementation of ONCE strategies requires technical feasibility, social acceptability, and robust governance. Marine social science offers critical insights into these sociotechnical aspects, facilitating a comprehensive approach to developing ONCE initiatives. This research examines how marine social science can support ONCE strategies through public engagement, ethical frameworks, and interdisciplinary governance.

Understanding public perception is essential to foster support and trust in ONCE efforts. Marine social scientists analyse public attitudes, misconceptions, and concerns, informing outreach strategies that engage communities and enhance public acceptance. Additionally, marine social science highlights the ethical considerations of ONCE, particularly regarding environmental justice issues affecting coastal and marginalised communities. This research emphasises the importance of including impacted communities in decision-making processes by advocating for transparency, fairness, and collaborative engagement.

Marine social science also plays a vital role in shaping policy frameworks for ONCE, addressing regulatory challenges and contributing to adaptive governance models that safeguard both human and environmental interests, such as climate-smart marine spatial planning and ocean multi-use. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, marine social scientists work alongside ecologists, technologists, and policymakers to create responsible strategies grounded in both scientific and social insights. Furthermore, transparent monitoring frameworks supported by social science build credibility and accountability, enabling independent evaluation by multi-stakeholders.

This research underscores that ONCE strategies must integrate the values, ethics, and concerns of affected communities to achieve broad social acceptance and environmental integrity. By facilitating equitable policy, governance and societal understanding, marine social science helps guide these strategies toward responsible and sustainable climate solutions.