Cleaning Up After Ourselves: The Role of Carbon Dioxide Removal

Abstract

The latest science shows that, to stop global warming, we must reach “net zero” emissions by 2050. This means that any carbon dioxide (CO2) humans are still releasing into the atmosphere in 2050 would need to be balanced out by taking CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it away. The process of removing CO2 from the atmosphere is called carbon dioxide removal (CDR). This article will explain why CDR is needed and will introduce some methods of removing CO2, including the strengths and weaknesses of those methods. There are many actions we can take. Many bring lots of other benefits, while some have drawbacks too. But overall, Carbon Dioxide Removal has a big role to play in successfully tackling climate change.