Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to meet Paris Agreement targets

On January 19, a group of scientists presented 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘪𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭. This report quantifies the volume of CO₂ that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) measures are eliminating from the atmosphere and compares it to what must be done to limit global warming to below 2°C. In doing so, it demonstrates the urgency of developing CDR technologies and deploying them on a massive scale.

CDR refers to all solutions that store CO₂ for the long term in the land, the soil, the oceans or through innovative technological solutions.

Natural CDR methods, like reforestation or wetland preservation, currently contribute to almost all carbon removal. However, to meet the set targets, which involve removing billions of tonnes of CO₂ from our atmosphere, they will need to be quickly supported by new solutions.

Anthony Blouin, Chemical Engineer at BBA, is working with his colleagues to advance emerging technologies and develop new ones, including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air capture (DAC). He is encouraging industry stakeholders to speed up efforts in this area now.

“Industrial companies can start analyzing the value of incorporating different carbon reduction technologies into their carbon neutrality plans right away. The first step is to perform a complete carbon audit to identify the best course of action for their installation. Carbon capture and reduction technology may be good for one client, but not for another. We’re looking for ways to implement custom solutions that address each client’s reality.”

We expect to see a number of effective CDR solutions emerging in the next few years. It will be critical for industrial players to assess their options carefully, but many of them will be able to participate effectively in decarbonization by reducing their carbon emissions at source along with long-term CO₂ storage methods.