Public concerns about ocean iron fertilisation

Spence, Elspeth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9529-6339 2026. Public concerns about ocean iron fertilisation. Dialogues on Climate Change 10.1177/29768659261479072

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Abstract

As marine carbon dioxide removal is gaining increased attention, discussions about climate solutions are crucial as future deployment of some carbon dioxide removal techniques seems inevitable. The case for ocean iron fertilisation (OIF) is one such proposal, whereby stimulating primary production in the ocean could increase its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and remove it from the atmosphere. Public perceptions research shows that OIF may produce a strong negative response, with people concerned that OIF would ‘mess with nature’ and impact marine organisms and wildlife. As ocean fertilisation has many scientific uncertainties, public worry about causing unintended consequences and the irreversibility of OIF. Lastly, trust and transparency in the actors involved will heavily influence its acceptability to any affected stakeholders, such as indigenous groups. Evidence clearly shows the need for collaborative research, meaningful project co-design and clear engagement with fully integrated publics to inform any proposed activities.

Item Type:	Short Communication
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	26 August 2026
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2026 11:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189179

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