Removing Carbon Dioxide through Offshore ccs and Seaweed Cultivation in China: A Legal Perspective

Abstract

China has pledged to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve these goals, a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (co2) emissions is required and thus ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (cdr) technologies are needed. This article explores the legal issues of two ocean cdr approaches, i.e. offshore carbon dioxide storage (ccs) and seaweed cultivation under the legal regimes for both climate change and oceans. Although there are no specific Chinese laws and regulations governing the offshore ccs or seaweed cultivation for carbon removal in place, some relevant existing environmental and other laws and regulations are applicable to such activities.