Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) refers to the range of technologies and processes designed to extract and sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. As a critical strategy in mitigating climate change, CDR aims to reduce the concentration of CO₂, one of the primary greenhouse gases driving global warming. Methods of CDR can be biological, chemical, or physical, encompassing everything from reforestation and soil carbon sequestration to advanced technologies like Direct Air Capture (DAC) and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
Implementing CDR is essential for achieving net zero emissions and maintaining global temperature rise within safe limits as outlined by the Paris Agreement. These technologies not only help offset emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors but also provide a pathway for removing historical emissions accumulated over centuries of industrial activity. Effective deployment of CDR solutions requires robust policy frameworks, significant financial investments, and interdisciplinary research to scale up these initiatives sustainably and equitably.
The potential of CDR to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future cannot be overstated. As we continue to innovate and refine these solutions, they offer a promising avenue for addressing the urgency of climate change while fostering economic opportunities and environmental stewardship.