greenhouse gas removal

 

innovation in greenhouse gas removal

To stabilise global temperatures, we need to achieve Net Zero – counteracting any remaining emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR). In order to cap the rise in global temperatures at 1.5°C above the pre-Industrial level it will be necessary to achieve Global Net Zero by 2050. This means that for every tonne of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere in that year there will need to be a tonne of carbon dioxide permanently removed from the atmosphere. 

GGR (also known as negative emissions) encompasses a wide range of proposed techniques to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. While there are some proposed methods for removing greenhouse gases other than CO2, the vast majority of GGR methods involve the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and its long-term storage so that it doesn’t find its way back into the atmosphere. 

The range of proposed GGR techniques includes biological approaches, such as planting trees and increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil, and engineered approaches, such as enhancing the rate at which certain minerals weather and devices that directly capture CO2 from the air. To assess how effective such techniques could be, it is necessary to understand how long-lasting the storage of CO2 away from the atmosphere is and to determine the social acceptability of deploying such techniques at scale. 

To achieve the ambition of the Paris Agreement will require GGR techniques to be deployed at a vast scale. The exact amount of GGR required will depend on what the temperature goal is (more GGR will be required to achieve the 1.5°C goal than a 2°C goal), the rate of emissions reduction (the quicker we reduce emissions, the less GGR will be required to counter the remaining emissions) and climate sensitivity (more GGR will be required if the climate is more sensitive to increases in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere). Current estimates are that between 400-1600 billion tonnes of CO2 will need to be removed from the atmosphere during the course of the century. 

There is a need to demonstrate whether proposed GGR techniques are effective and socially acceptable at a significant scale. This will require resources to research and develop proposed techniques, along with detailed consideration of the regulatory frameworks that need to be put in place to appropriately incentivise deployment. 

Follow updates on this page for latest research on GGR.

 

Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR, also known as negative emissions) encompasses a range of techniques for reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in ambient air.

GGR Options

greenhouse gas removal Projects

 

carbon engineering

Carbon Engineering uses Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.

Climeworks

Climeworks develops, builds and operates direct air capture machines to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air.

Options for Greenhouse Gas Removal 

The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub – CO₂RE

Funded through the UKRI SPF Greenhouse Gas Removal Demonstrators (GGR-D) ProgrammeCO2RE will co-ordinate the Programme and conduct solutions-led research to evaluate a balanced portfolio of economically, socially and environmentally scalable GGR options, with associated policy design, engagement and outreach. This will enable the UK to lead internationally on achieving global netzero emissions, consistent with the Paris Agreement

CO2RE logo

Other research themes

Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) involve working with and enhancing nature to achieve multiple benefits for people, including removing CO2 from the air, and aiding adaptation  to climate change.

Equity AND Inclusion

Pathways to achieving global net zero emissions must be framed by questions of equity and justice. A just transition to a net zero future needs to be inclusive of a range of actors as well as a range of views, including those relating climate justice.

Green Recovery and Resilience

A green recovery from COVID-19 could accelerate GDP growth in the immediate future, establish new industries and jobs for the coming decade, and deliver a sustainable climate for the next century. 

News and Events

Download Oxford Net Zero’s new Programme Summary
Download Oxford Net Zero’s new Programme Summary

Download Oxford Net Zero's new Programme Summary Read more

CO2 removal is essential, along with emissions cuts, to limit global warming – report
CO2 removal is essential, along with emissions cuts, to limit global warming – report

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) from the atmosphere is crucial to limit global warming, in addition to rapid cuts to emissions - that is the stark conclusion of today’s first Oxford-led State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report. Read more

Climate goals can be achieved at affordable cost, if fossil fuel producers pay for carbon clear up – Oxford-led study
Climate goals can be achieved at affordable cost, if fossil fuel producers pay for carbon clear up – Oxford-led study

Climate change could be constrained by implementation of policies to ensure fossil fuel producers pay for carbon clear-up, or capture, according to new Oxford-led research, published today in Environmental Research Letters. Read more

Oxford Net Zero is Hiring – Join Our Engagement and Impact Team
Oxford Net Zero is Hiring – Join Our Engagement and Impact Team

The Engagement Team at Oxford Net Zero is looking for three new research assistants to start in February 2023 to support our growing work programme on net zero policy, civil society engagement, and communications. We are looking for energetic, ... Read more

New ONZ report on Net Zero Commitments by Businesses in Africa
New ONZ report on Net Zero Commitments by Businesses in Africa

ONZ fellow Dr Jessica Omukuti has undertaken a stocktake study on net zero commitments by Africa’s largest publicly listed companies. For the report, the team gathered data on the emission targets of Africa’s 250 largest publicly listed ... Read more

ONZ contributes to new global guidelines for clarity on net zero action at COP27
ONZ contributes to new global guidelines for clarity on net zero action at COP27

The ISO publishes the Net Zero Guidelines to support all actors and organisations to reach their net zero goals, with expert contribution from Oxford Net Zero. Read more

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