As the world struggles to decarbonize, a new technological and biological frontier is emerging—necessary not just to reduce emissions, but to reverse them. Here is what Carbon180 explains:
What is Carbon Removal?
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is the deliberate process of capturing existing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it securely for long periods in rocks, vegetation, oceans, or products. It isn’t just about “cleaning up”; it’s about doing so in a way that is high-quality, permanent, and just.
Why Do We Need It? (The “Net-Negative” Reality)
The science is clear: reducing future emissions is not enough.
- THE 2ºC TARGET: The UN has warned that restricting global warming to 2ºC is nearly impossible without removing the carbon we have already emitted historically.
- BEYOND ZERO: To stabilize the climate, we need to reach “net-negative” territory—removing more carbon than we emit.
The 6 Technological & Biological Pathways
There is no “silver bullet”; a diverse portfolio of solutions is required:
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Technology that uses giant fans and chemical processes to filter CO2 directly from the air and store it underground.
- Biomass Carbon Removal & Storage (BiCRS): Using plants and algae to capture carbon, which is then stored in ecosystems or injected underground.
- Enhanced Rock Weathering: Accelerating natural geological processes by crushing rocks that absorb CO2 and spreading them on agricultural lands.
- Forest Carbon: Reforestation and restoration of forests as natural “removal machines.”
- Ocean Carbon: Technologies to strip CO2 from the ocean surface or lock it away in the deep ocean.
- Soil Carbon: Agricultural practices that increase the soil’s capacity to retain carbon.
Not an Excuse to Keep Polluting
It is vital to distinguish removal from inaction. CDR is not a replacement for decarbonization. It must be deployed in parallel with massive emission cuts to end our reliance on fossil fuels.
