16
Oct
Carbon removals
in
Comments
Carbon removals refer to processes or technologies that actively extract carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, helping to reduce the overall concentration of greenhouse gases.
Natural carbon removals rely on ecological processes to absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. These methods harness the natural carbon cycle, where plants, soils, and oceans act as carbon sinks:
- Afforestation & Reforestation: Planting trees to absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration: Enhancing soil organic matter through sustainable agricultural practices, capturing CO₂ in the soil.
- Wetland and Peatland Restoration: Restoring these ecosystems to store carbon in plant biomass and soil.
Technological Carbon Removals involve engineered processes to capture and store CO₂ directly from the atmosphere or during industrial processes, often aiming for permanent or long-term storage:
- Biochar: biochar converts carbon from organic material a into a stable form that can be stored in soils or products (i.e. cement) for hundreds to thousands of years, acting as a carbon sink.
- Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Biomass is combusted to produce energy, and the resulting CO₂ is captured and stored, resulting in net negative emissions.
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Machines capture CO₂ directly from the air and store it underground or use it in products.
