Grosselindemann et al. (2026): The efficiency and ocean acidification mitigation potential of ocean alkalinity enhancement on multi-centennial timescales
Hendrik Grosselindemann, Friedrich A. Burger and Thomas L. Frölicher, IN: EGUSphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-255
Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies such as ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) are likely required in addition to rapid emissions reductions to limit global warming to well below 2 °C. However, the long-term efficiency of OAE and its potential to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification remain uncertain. Here, the authors investigate efficiencies, climate and ocean acidification responses of idealized OAE using a fully coupled, emission-driven Earth system model across three global warming stabilization scenarios (1.5 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C) spanning 1861–2500. OAE is implemented as a continuous global surface alkalinity addition of 0.14 Pmol yr⁻¹ following the CDRMIP protocol from 2026 onward.