Researchers are emphasizing the urgent need for governments to enhance carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies to meet global climate goals. The 2024 State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report, released by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, highlights a significant gap between current CDR efforts and what is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Currently, around 2 billion metric tons of CO2 are removed annually, primarily through conventional methods like reforestation and soil management. However, to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, this needs to increase to approximately 7-9 billion tons per year (Smith Enviro) (Carbon Brief).
The report identifies a major shortfall in the deployment of novel CDR technologies, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS), and enhanced rock weathering. These technologies currently contribute only a fraction (0.1%) of total CDR efforts. To close this gap, the deployment of these technologies must increase dramatically—by a factor of 1,300 on average by 2050 (Smith Enviro) (Carbon Brief).
Policymakers are urged to support a diverse portfolio of CDR methods, encompassing both conventional and novel technologies, to avoid over-reliance on any single method. This approach is essential to achieve net-zero emissions and stabilize global temperatures (Smith Enviro).
The report also underscores the need for robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to track progress and ensure the effectiveness of CDR initiatives. Effective MRV is crucial for making informed decisions and accelerating progress in the CDR field (CO₂RE – The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub).
In summary, while there have been advancements in CDR technologies and increased awareness, significant policy support and investment are required to scale up these efforts to the necessary levels. Without this, meeting the Paris Agreement goals will be exceedingly difficult (Carbon Brief).
