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Carbon removal is becoming a crucial strategy to mitigate global warming as the climate crisis escalates. We answer some of the internet’s most searched questions about carbon removal to provide a comprehensive understanding of its importance, methods and potential.
What is Carbon Removal?
Carbon removal refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and storing it so it cannot easily re-enter the atmosphere. This can be achieved through natural processes, such as reforestation and soil management, or technological methods, such as direct air capture and mineralisation. Enhanced rock weathering (ERW), a solution that takes the best of both natural and technological approaches, is a particularly promising method that accelerates the natural weathering process of rocks to permanently remove CO₂.
Learn more about enhanced rock weathering here.
How Can Carbon Be Removed from the Atmosphere?
There are several effective methods for removing carbon from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change and its impacts on the environment:
– Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can sequester CO₂ as trees absorb it during photosynthesis.
– Soil Carbon Sequestration: Practices like no-till farming and cover cropping enhance the carbon storage capacity of soils.
– Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): This involves growing biomass, burning it for energy, and capturing and storing the emitted CO₂.
– Direct Air Capture (DAC): This method captures CO₂ directly from the atmosphere often using powerful fans and a series of chemical processes. The CO₂ is then stored deep underground in geological formations or reused in manufacturing.
– Ocean-Based Methods: These enhance the carbon absorption capacity of oceans through techniques like ocean alkalinity enhancement and seaweed cultivation.
– Enhanced Rock Weathering: By spreading finely ground silicate rocks, such as basalt, on land, the natural weathering process is greatly accelerated. This method not only captures CO₂ but also improves soil health and agricultural productivity.
Learn more about the diverse range of carbon removal technologies and their impact.
Why is Carbon Removal Needed?
Carbon removal is essential because it actively scrubs excess CO₂ already in the atmosphere. Currently standing at 427 parts per million, this heat-trapping gas is the primary driver of climate change. While rapidly reducing our global emissions is critical, many experts agree that it won’t be enough to meet global climate goals. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require not only drastic emission cuts but also the removal of billions of tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Having the potential to remove up to 4 billion tonnes of CO2 annually if scaled, enhanced rock weathering is a particularly effective sequestration method. It represents a solution that can be implemented anywhere in the world, with source rock and farmland, alongside other carbon removal strategies. With its ability to lock away significant amounts of CO₂ while providing additional benefits to the environment and agriculture, ERW is a win on three fronts simultaneously.
Learn more about carbon removal here.
Is Large-Scale Carbon Removal Possible?
Large-scale carbon removal is technically possible but presents significant challenges.
Engineered methods like DAC and BECCS require substantial investments and advancements in efficiency to be deployed at scale. Moreover, the infrastructure for capturing, transporting and storing CO₂ needs to be developed. On the other hand, scaling up natural methods involves overcoming land use, biodiversity and social challenges.
ERW, a relatively low-tech and scalable solution, offers promise for large-scale deployment. This method leverages existing agricultural infrastructure and practices, integrating easily into current land use without significant changes or investments.
How Much Carbon Removal Do We Need?
The amount of carbon removal needed depends on various factors, including future emission trajectories and the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies. Estimates suggest that to meet the Paris Agreement targets, we may need to remove 10 to 20 gigatons of CO₂ annually by mid-century.
By incorporating enhanced rock weathering into existing agricultural practices, we unlock the potential for widespread adoption with minimal disruption. This approach could lead to significant CO₂ sequestration on a global scale.
What’s the Difference Between Carbon Capture and Carbon Removal?
Carbon capture refers to the process of capturing CO₂ emissions at their source (e.g. power plants or industrial facilities) before they enter the atmosphere. In contrast, carbon removal involves extracting CO₂ already present in the atmosphere. Both approaches are complementary; carbon capture helps reduce future emissions, while carbon removal deals with past emissions.
Enhanced rock weathering fits into the carbon removal category, as it sequesters CO₂ that is already in the atmosphere. This method accelerates the natural process of rock weathering to capture and store carbon permanently.
Learn more about the science behind enhanced rock weathering.
What Criteria Define a High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Approach?
A high-quality CDR approach should meet the following criteria:
– Permanence: The CO₂ must be stored securely for centuries to millennia.
– Verifiability: The amount of CO₂ removed and stored must be measurable and verifiable.
– Environmental Integrity: The method should not cause significant harm to ecosystems or biodiversity.
– Social and Economic Considerations: It should not harm local communities and economies and ideally, the solution provides economic, social, or other environmental co-benefits.
– Scalability: The approach must be capable of being deployed at the scales necessary to make a meaningful impact on atmospheric CO₂ levels.
– Additionality: The carbon removal must be additional, meaning it would not have occurred in the absence of the specific intervention.
Enhanced rock weathering meets these criteria by providing long-term CO₂ storage, verifiable outcomes through soil and crop monitoring, and additional environmental and economic benefits. The method’s scalability and low environmental impact make it a high-quality CDR approach.
Learn more about quantifying ERW carbon removal.
How Much Does High-Quality Carbon Removal Cost?
The cost of high-quality carbon removal varies significantly depending on the method and location. Techniques like direct air capture (DAC), enhanced rock weathering (ERW), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and biochar each have different cost ranges influenced by technology, scale, and geographical conditions. While generally more expensive than traditional emission reduction methods, these costs are expected to decrease with advancements in science, technology and economies of scale.
It’s important to remember that carbon removal and carbon reduction are complementary strategies essential for achieving our climate goals. A balanced carbon management strategy should integrate various methods, leveraging the strengths of each approach. For example, traditional reduction methods like energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy deployment can be combined with a portfolio of carbon removal techniques to maximise impact. Enhanced rock weathering offers a cost-effective and scalable option, providing additional benefits such as improved soil health and agricultural productivity. By diversifying our carbon management strategies, we can effectively address climate change while promoting sustainable development and environmental integrity.
How are Carbon Dioxide Removal Projects Verified?
An independent or government-issued standards body will establish a methodology outlining the criteria for third-party auditors to verify that projects have achieved the claimed carbon dioxide removal. The criteria outlined in methodologies include guidelines for conducting MRV, metrics to determine additionality and social & environmental safeguards.
An independent third-party validation and verification body (VVB) will then audit the project to ensure that the project aligns with the criteria outlined in the methodology and that the CDR claim used to generate carbon credits is accurate.
Learn more about how carbon credits are verified.
What Role Does Policy Play in the Advancement of Carbon Removal Technologies?
Policy is essential for driving the development and implementation of carbon removal technologies through:
– Funding and Incentives: Providing financial support for research, development and deployment of carbon removal methods.
– Regulations: Establishing frameworks for MRV, safety, and environmental impact assessments.
– Market Mechanisms: Implementing carbon pricing, credits or offsets to create economic incentives for carbon removal.
– Public Engagement: Promoting transparency and public involvement in decision-making processes to ensure social acceptance and equitable outcomes.
What Future Innovations Are Expected in the Field of Carbon Removal?
Future innovations in carbon removal might include:
– Advanced Direct Air Capture (DAC) Technologies: Improved materials and processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
– Enhanced Mineralisation: Techniques to accelerate natural processes that convert CO₂ to stable carbonates.
– Genetically Modified Plants and Algae: Organisms engineered to absorb more CO₂ and sequester it effectively.
– Integrated Systems: Combining multiple methods, such as using biochar in agricultural soils to enhance carbon storage and improve soil health.
For ERW, ongoing research focuses on optimising rock types, particle sizes and application methods to maximise CO₂ sequestration and agricultural benefits.
How Do Carbon Removal Efforts Align with Global Sustainability Goals?
Carbon removal efforts are aligned with global sustainability goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Effective carbon removal can contribute to:
– SDG 13 (Climate Action): By reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels.
– SDG 15 (Life on Land): Through reforestation and improved land management.
– SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Via ocean-based carbon removal methods.
– SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By integrating with renewable energy systems.
Learn more about how our work at UNDO aligns with the UN SDGs.
How Can Individual Actions Support Carbon Removal Initiatives?
Individuals can support carbon removal initiatives in several ways:
– Advocacy: Supporting policies and initiatives that promote carbon removal.
– Sustainable Practices: Reducing personal carbon footprints through energy conservation, sustainable transportation and responsible consumption.
– Supporting Organisations: Donating to or volunteering with organisations working on carbon removal projects.
– Education: Staying informed and educating others about the importance of carbon removal.
Here is a resource to find projects that you can support.
What’s the Role of Businesses in Advancing Carbon Removal?
Businesses play a crucial role in advancing carbon removal through:
– Investment: Funding research, development and deployment of carbon removal technologies.
– Corporate Practices: Implementing carbon removal strategies within their operations and supply chains.
– Innovation: Developing new technologies and business models that facilitate carbon removal.
– Collaboration: Partnering with governments, NGOs and other businesses to scale carbon removal efforts.
Businesses can integrate ERW into their sustainability strategies or carbon portfolios, contributing to both carbon sequestration and soil health improvements.
Learn how businesses can get involved.
The Future of Carbon Removal
Carbon removal is a vital component of the global strategy to combat climate change. By understanding its importance, methods and challenges, we can support and accelerate the development and deployment of effective carbon removal solutions. As individuals, businesses, policymakers and advisors, we all have roles to play in advancing these technologies and practices.
By advocating for supportive policies, adopting sustainable practices and investing in innovative solutions, we can collectively make a significant impact on reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels. Together, we can create a sustainable future and ensure a healthier planet for generations to come.
Support Effective Carbon Removal Solutions
At UNDO, we harness the power of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while enriching soil health. Discover how this innovative approach can play a vital role in combating climate change and promoting agricultural sustainability.
