Carbon removals, also known as carbon negative technologies or negative emissions technologies (NETs), refer to a range of methods and techniques that can remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it safely and permanently. These methods are becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change as a way to offset the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving global warming.

Carbon removals are an essential tool in the fight against climate change because they offer a way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in a way that is safe and permanent. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the most effective way to combat climate change, it will not be enough to limit global warming to the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. That is why carbon removals have been gaining attention as a necessary part of any effective climate strategy.

There are several methods for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, including natural and engineered approaches. Some natural approaches include reforestation and afforestation, where new forests are planted or existing ones are allowed to regrow, and ocean fertilization, where nutrients are added to the ocean to encourage the growth of phytoplankton, which absorb carbon dioxide. Other natural methods include soil carbon sequestration, where carbon is stored in soil through techniques such as no-till farming, and wetland restoration, where carbon is stored in the soil and vegetation of wetlands.

Engineered methods for carbon removal include direct air capture (DAC), where machines are used to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), where carbon dioxide is captured from industrial processes or power plants and stored in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Another method is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which involves growing biomass crops, burning them to generate electricity, capturing the carbon dioxide produced, and then storing it underground.

One of the most promising methods of carbon removal is natural climate solutions (NCS), which involve using nature to remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. NCS include reforestation and afforestation, soil carbon sequestration, wetland restoration, and other natural approaches. These methods have the added benefit of providing additional ecosystem services, such as improving biodiversity, soil health, and water quality.

Carbon removals have the potential to play a significant role in limiting global warming, but they are not without their challenges. One of the biggest challenges is cost. Many carbon removal methods are currently more expensive than reducing greenhouse gas emissions through other means. However, as technology improves and economies of scale are realized, the cost of carbon removal is expected to come down.

Another challenge is ensuring the permanence and safety of carbon storage. Carbon dioxide must be stored safely and permanently to avoid it being released back into the atmosphere. This requires carefully selecting storage sites and monitoring them to ensure the stored carbon remains in place.

Finally, there is the challenge of ensuring that carbon removal methods are deployed in a way that is socially just and equitable. Many carbon removal methods, such as afforestation, can have social and economic benefits for local communities, but there is a risk that these communities may be excluded from the benefits of these methods. It is essential that carbon removal methods are deployed in a way that benefits everyone, including those who may be most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, carbon removals offer a promising way to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it safely and permanently. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions must remain the primary focus of efforts to limit global warming, carbon removals have an essential role to play in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. By carefully selecting and deploying carbon removal methods, we can help ensure a more sustainable and just future for all.