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How can CO2 removal technology save the planet? Uncovering the mystery of carbon removal!
As the threat of global climate change becomes increasingly serious, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology has become the focus of much attention. CDR refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through human activities and storing it sustainably. It is not just an individual solution, but is part of many climate policies and reduction strategies.
CDR is key to bringing “net zero” to net zero emissions.
The first step towards net-zero emissions is to significantly reduce emissions, followed by the application of CDR to combat those sources of emissions that are difficult to eliminate, such as agricultural and certain industrial emissions. CDR technology can be divided into terrestrial and aquatic applications. Terrestrial methods include replanting and carbon agriculture, while aquatic methods include ocean fertilization and wetland restoration.
As of 2023, CDR is estimated to be able to remove approximately 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is equivalent to 4% of the greenhouse gases emitted annually by human activities. Experts believe that using existing CDR methods, up to 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide can be removed and stored in the future. This potential means that CDR strategies will be a focus of climate change response plans.
Certain emission sources are technically difficult to eliminate, and CDR can make up for this shortcoming.
The diversity of CDR methods gives them different potentials. For example, trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store it in wood and soil. Reforestation and tree planting are considered among the most promising biological methods. While forests' carbon storage capacity is long-lasting, they are also vulnerable to threats from natural events such as wildfires and disease.
In the agricultural field, carbon agriculture uses a series of agricultural methods to store carbon in the soil, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere. This approach can not only increase the organic matter content of the soil, but also improve the growth ability of plants and improve the soil's moisture retention capacity.
The effectiveness of CDR lies in its durability and implementation effects, but the life cycle and impact of each process still need to be carefully evaluated.
Another compelling CDR technology is Bioenergy and Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), which involves capturing carbon dioxide from biomass and storing it permanently. However, CDR implementation is not without risks. Critics point out that if CDR is regarded as the only solution, it will lead to a reduction in emissions reduction efforts.
In climate change mitigation strategies, CDR must be promoted in parallel with emission reduction measures. It cannot solve the problem alone. Virtually all offloading pathways that hope to limit global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C assume a combination of CDR and emissions reductions.
We must stop looking at CDR as a current solution because emissions remain high and this should not replace immediate action to reduce emissions.
As technology evolves, the cost of CDR methods continues to change. Taking Biochar technology as an example, its cost per ton is predicted to be around US$100. By comparison, direct air capture (DAC) costs between $250 and $600. Despite the potential benefits of these technologies, the market for voluntary carbon removal mechanisms remains underfunded. Many companies and governments are working hard to increase investment in CDR, including the recently implemented infrastructure bill and pressure relief bill in the United States.
Based on the assessment, CDR methods can be divided into different technology maturity levels, including forest management, improved agricultural practices and direct air capture. The application of these technologies relies on the balance of existing resources, making the rational allocation of funds a major challenge.
As the climate challenges facing the world intensify, the discussion and implementation of carbon dioxide removal technologies will become increasingly important. How can we find the best balance so that CDR technology can reach its full potential without displacing emissions reductions?
