Plan Sea: Ocean Interventions to Address Climate Change · Wil Burns and Anna Madlener

Matt Long on the [C]Worthy initiative for MRV modeling frameworks

·46 min·4 clips

Matt Long reveals how earth system models used by the IPCC shape our understanding of ocean-based carbon removal.

This episode features Matt Long, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and co-founder of the C-Worthy initiative, discussing ocean carbon dioxide removal. Hosts Anna Matliner, a marine robotics engineer, and Will Burns, a professor and carbon removal policy expert, guide the conversation. The discussion centers on the scientific and logistical challenges of measuring and verifying carbon removal in the ocean. Matt Long explains his background in developing Earth system models used by the IPCC to assess climate change. He describes the C-Worthy initiative as a project focused on creating a Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework for ocean-based carbon dioxide removal. The initiative aims to establish credible scientific standards to assess whether carbon is durably removed from the atmosphere. Long states that effective MRV must quantify net carbon removal, accounting for both intended sequestration and any potential leakage or emissions from the intervention. He emphasizes the need for MRV systems to be scalable, cost-effective, and adaptable to various ocean CDR methods like alkalinity enhancement or seaweed cultivation. The conversation references the broader context of the IPCC's climate models and projections. A key insight is that current ocean observations and models are insufficient for the precise accounting required for carbon credit markets. Long argues that developing a robust MRV framework is a prerequisite for any legitimate ocean CDR industry to scale. He suggests that scientific transparency and data sharing through initiatives like C-Worthy are critical for building trust. The episode maintains an educational and technical tone, delving into biogeochemical processes and policy frameworks. The style is a detailed interview, with hosts asking clarifying questions to unpack complex scientific concepts. Listeners interested in the granular details of climate modeling, carbon accounting, and the nascent field of ocean CDR will find this episode highly informative. Those seeking broad overviews or narrative-driven stories about climate solutions might find the technical discussion too specialized.

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