Stakeholders have knowledge priorities beyond local impacts for responsible marine-based carbon dioxide removal in Tasmania

Abstract Novel carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches are being developed to help achieve the Paris Agreement temperature targets. Beyond technological challenges, their deployment in specific locations can be shaped by local stakeholders’ perspectives. Here we use ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), a marine-based CDR approach, to explore what stakeholders need to develop informed opinions about these technologies. We employed a bottom-up engagement approach, interviewing 23 stakeholders in Tasmania, Australia. While some participants held preliminary views, all expressed a need for more information regarding technological feasibility, environmental and community impacts, governance, and OAE’s role in climate policy. We found that stakeholders’ knowledge priorities should be addressed before social acceptance consultations. Local stakeholders are concerned with impacts beyond their immediate area. Finally, we discuss four guiding principles, accountability, sustainable resource management, transparent governance, and inclusive values and ethics, for responsible CDR innovation and deployment.