Here, you can explore key concepts, advantages and disadvantages, feasibility and deployment potential of CDR. Scroll down to learn the key information and analysis for each method, where further research is required, as well as expert insights to guide the much​-needed journey towards net zero and beyond.

CDR 101 ⬇️

CDR: The definition

Carbon dioxide removal” (CDR) consists of physically extracting carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere and permanently storing it, for example in geological formations. Four principles define what CDR is  (Tanzer and Ramirez 2019):

1) CO₂ is physically extracted from the atmosphere.

2) The extracted atmospheric CO₂ is permanently stored out of the atmosphere.

3) All greenhouse gas emissions associated with the removal and storage processes are comprehensively estimated and included.

4) More atmospheric CO₂ is permanently stored than GHGs are emitted in the removal and storage processes and their complete supply chains.

CDR: The Science

 According to the IPCC, the role of CDR is to: 

1. Supplement emission reductions and accelerate climate change mitigation.
2. Achieve net zero by balancing out residual CO2 and non-CO2 GHG emissions.
3. Exceed annual GHG emissions and achieve “net negative” emissions globally to draw down global temperatures.  

CDR: The reality

Carbon dioxide can be removed using many different capture processes (biological, geochemical, synthetic) and can be stored in a variety of reservoirs.

The handbook contains six factsheets, each describing a particular technology or practice that could be used to remove and store carbon. The six featured Negative Emissions Technologies and Practices (NECPs) that are explored are Bio-CCS, Afforestation & Reforestation, Biochar, Terrestrial enhanced weathering, Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), and Soil Carbon Sequestration.
The factsheets set out, amongst others, advantages, disdvantages, relevant constraints and sustainable potentials for deployment.

CDR: The climate policy

The handbook provides 10 policy recommendations, aimed at ensuring sustainable deployment of CDR. Chief amongst them is the need for a robust definition of CDR, separate targets, stringent MRVL, and a diverse CDR portfolio. The final recommendation focuses on the need to treat CDR as a public good – everyone benefits from the decreasing atmospheric CO2, just as everyone is harmed by its increase.

Click on the cover below to read the Negative Emissions Handbook!

Read the 6 factsheets below:
(1. Bio-CCS, 2. Afforestation & Reforestation, 3. Biochar, 4. Terrestrial enhanced weathering, 5. Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), and 6. Soil Carbon Sequestration)

• Factsheets – Negative Emissions Handbook (pdf)

Learn more about the NEGEM Project here.