In looking at ways to combat climate change, the conversation inevitably leads us to the topic of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). This crucial yet complex field attempts to address the urgent need to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). It also forces us to grapple with practical limitations, scale, and ethical considerations. The strategy of CDR emerges as a critical yet complex piece of the puzzle. Here we introduce CDR, with insights from Terra.do's courses, to guide you through its scientific, ethical, and practical dimensions.

The foundations of carbon dioxide removal

At its core, CDR seeks to reverse the tide of climate change by actively reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels. This involves not just carbon removal technology but also the global carbon cycle and the role of human activity in its disruption. Terra.do's Climate Change: Learning for Action course provides a foundational understanding of these dynamics across all climate solutions, emphasizing the urgent need for a holistic approach to climate action that includes both cutting fossil fuel use and carbon dioxide removal.

Understanding carbon dioxide removal

CDR encompasses a diverse array of strategies aimed at drawing down  CO₂ from the atmosphere. This is critical because, despite efforts to curb emissions, current levels of CO₂ necessitate active removal to avert the worst effects of climate change. The methods fall broadly into two categories: nature-based solutions and technological interventions.

Nature-based solutions leverage the planet's own mechanisms. Broadly, we need to stop deforestation and protect places like peatlands and mangroves that sequester carbon. While the relative value of simply planting more trees is arguably dubious in terms of CDR, there are worthwhile opportunities here to bolster biodiversity and support ecosystem resilience. Nature-based solutions are not without challenges, including the risk of reversal through wildfires, pests, and land-use changes. There are also key justice and ethical considerations over land use and Indigenous rights.

Technological solutions like Direct Air Capture (DAC) offer promising avenues for how to remove carbon dioxide from air. Terra.do’s CDR Technologies and Risks course takes a deep look into the solutions and their potential. While these carbon dioxide removal technologies are just beginning to develop, they represent a growing field of innovation aimed at scaling up our CDR capacity. Yet, they are also subject to scrutiny over their energy requirements, scalability, and cost. They also have the potential to divert attention and resources away from cutting emissions by curbing fossil fuel use.

Measuring progress and pitfalls with carbon accounting

The path to effective CDR is paved with rigorous accounting and reduction strategies. Terra.do's Carbon Accounting and Reduction course demystifies the process of measuring carbon footprints, both at individual and organizational levels, and outlines strategies for meaningful reduction. Carbon accounting is instrumental in understanding the interconnectedness of emissions reduction and carbon dioxide removal, illustrating how accurate accounting is vital for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.

Ethical considerations

As we explore the potential of CDR, it's important to center the justice and ethical dimensions of these efforts. Terra.do's courses consider the implications of carbon removal projects on global equity, local communities, and Indigenous peoples. They prompt a reflection on the dangers of viewing technological solutions as a panacea, potentially diverting attention from the root causes of climate change and perpetuating fossil fuel dependency.

Navigating the future

The discourse around how to remove carbon from the atmosphere underscores the complexity of the climate challenge. It highlights the need for an integrated approach that combines emissions reductions with innovative removal strategies, all while navigating justice and practical concerns. Learn more about the pros and cons of CDR here. In the journey towards effective CDR, Terra.do's courses serve as guidance through the scientific principles, practical challenges, and ethical considerations that define this field. CDR is not a standalone solution but part of a broader, more intricate commitment to climate action that requires global cooperation, innovative thinking, and steadfast attention to justice and sustainability.