Carbon removal technology
Carbon removal technology refers to a range of approaches that aim to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it permanently. This process is also known as carbon dioxide removal (CDR) or negative emissions technologies (NETs). Carbon removal technologies have the potential to play a significant role in mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
There are two main types of carbon removal technologies:
Natural approaches: These include afforestation/reforestation, soil carbon sequestration, and biochar.
Technological approaches: These include direct air capture (DAC), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and enhanced weathering.
Natural approaches
Afforestation/reforestation: This involves planting new trees or restoring existing forests. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass.
Soil carbon sequestration: This involves using agricultural practices that increase the amount of carbon stored in soil. These practices include no-till agriculture, cover cropping, and composting.
Biochar: This involves creating charcoal from biomass and burying it in the soil. Biochar can improve soil fertility and water retention, while also storing carbon.
Technological approaches
Direct air capture (DAC): This technology uses chemical reactions to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can then be stored underground or used in other applications.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS): This technology captures CO2 from point sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities. The captured CO2 is then compressed and transported to a storage site, typically an underground geological formation.
Enhanced weathering: This involves spreading crushed minerals, such as olivine or basalt, on land or in the ocean. These minerals react with CO2 in the atmosphere to form stable carbonate minerals.
Benefits of carbon removal technology
Can help to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.
Can be used to offset emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors, such as aviation and agriculture.
Can create new industries and jobs.
Challenges of carbon removal technology
Many technologies are still in the early stages of development and are not yet commercially viable.
Some technologies are energy-intensive and could have environmental impacts.
There is a lack of public awareness and understanding of carbon removal technology.
Future of carbon removal technology
Carbon removal technology is a rapidly evolving field, and new approaches are being developed all the time. As the technology matures and costs decline, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in mitigating climate change.
Here are some resources for learning more about carbon removal technology:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal (2019): https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/downloads/outreach/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_Factsheet_CDR.pdf
World Resources Institute (WRI) Carbon Removal Initiative: https://www.wri.org/initiatives/carbon-removal
Carbon Brief: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-the-state-of-carbon-dioxide-removal-in-seven-charts/
International Energy Age
