Options for supporting carbon dioxide removal

This research paper by the NewClimate Institute examines policy frameworks for upscaling Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) while ensuring that such efforts do not detract from greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The authors analyze various CDR approaches, their development stages, and the risks associated with using offsetting schemes, ultimately advocating for the separation of emission reduction targets from removal targets.

• Biological CDR options, including afforestation, reforestation, biochar, and soil carbon sequestration, should be supported through domestic regulation-based policies rather than carbon markets. The authors argue that using offsetting for biological CDR is risky due to limited additionality, complex land-use interactions, and a high risk of non-permanence.
• Technological CDR options—specifically BECCS, DACCS, mineral carbonation (currently in demonstration phase), and enhanced weathering (currently in R&D phase)—require long-term, secure support for research and development to reduce costs and understand risks. Funding could come from governments, businesses, or revenues from carbon pricing mechanisms like emission trading system (ETS) auctions, provided these funds do not divert from other mitigation activities.
• The paper recommends establishing separate targets for emissions and removals instead of combined net-zero targets. A combined approach risks diverting attention from necessary emission reductions based on the uncertain assumption that removals can be relied upon later. Separate targets provide clearer responsibility and better prepare for the net-negative phase required in the second half of the century.
• Once CDR technologies reach maturity, they will require stable, predictable, and large-scale support mechanisms because they offer few benefits other than carbon removal. The authors suggest that the necessary scale can only be achieved if governments establish rules requiring companies and consumers to implement CDR at their own cost as part of their responsibility.

APA

NewClimate Institute (2020). Options for supporting carbon dioxide removal. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/options-for-supporting-carbon-dioxide-removal

Chicago

NewClimate Institute. Options for supporting carbon dioxide removal. 2020. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/options-for-supporting-carbon-dioxide-removal.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=NewClimate Institute |title=Options for supporting carbon dioxide removal |date=28 July 2020 |url=http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/options-for-supporting-carbon-dioxide-removal |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{newclimateinstitute2020options, author = {{NewClimate Institute}}, title = {{Options for supporting carbon dioxide removal}}, institution = {NewClimate Institute}, year = {2020}, month = jul, url = {http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/options-for-supporting-carbon-dioxide-removal}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }