The ocean carbon cycle is a fundamental component of the climate system. Each year, the global ocean absorbs approximately 25% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, serving as a crucial regulator of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. Over centuries, the ocean will ultimately store the majority of these emissions, making it a key player in long-term climate stabilization. However, multiple factors – particularly rising atmospheric CO₂ but also shifting environmental conditions – shape the ocean’s ability to store carbon. Eventual deliberate efforts to enhance oceanic carbon storage must account for the dynamic response of marine systems and be implemented at appropriate scales and locations to be effective. This presentation will review the latest understanding of recent changes in ocean carbon storage and provide an overview of proposed marine carbon dioxide removal methods within the context of natural oceanic processes.
