Legal limits to the use of CO2 removal

Nov 17, 2023

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that to hold global warming to 1.5°C, consistent with the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions need to be reduced to net zero by around mid-century. This global goal can be achieved by following various technologically feasible emissions pathways, but the range of possible strategies create legal and policy uncertainty regarding the emissions reductions required by states. Pathways differ in their rates of gross and net CO2 emission reductions, their corresponding dependence on CO2 removal (CDR) to stay within the cumulative emissions limit imposed by the global temperature goal, and the type of CDR they intend to deploy. In the lead up to this year’s United Nations (UN) Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai, we present scientific and legal bases for our argument that emission-reduction pathways that depend heavily on CDR may contravene norms and principles of international law.

Publication details
Theme(s)
Carbon dioxide removal
Type(s)
Research paper
Author(s)
Rajamani, Lavanya Wetzer, Thom
Year(s)
2023
Science

Latest news

ONZ is hiring: join us as a Research Assistant to remap the net zero voluntary initiatives landscape
ONZ is hiring: join us as a Research Assistant to remap the net zero voluntary initiatives landscape

Oxford Net Zero has an exciting opportunity for two Research Assistants to join the team from January 2024 to support our net zero standards re-mapping project. Joining ONZ's Engagement Team, the Research Assistants will work alongside Kaya ... Read more

Net Zero Regulation Stocktake
Net Zero Regulation Stocktake

What does the road to regulation look like, and how will we get there? Regulations related to the transition to net zero are already in place in a number of jurisdictions and are recommended by the United Nations to accelerate the transition to ... Read more

Oxford Net Zero launches autumn webinar series
Oxford Net Zero launches autumn webinar series

Join us this autumn for a series of webinars led by Oxford Net Zero fellows! Read more

See more news and events