1 Why CDR?

“Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) encompasses a range of technologies, practices, and approaches designed to remove and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, preventing it from further contributing to global warming."1

1Adapted definition, based on IPCC AR6 WGIII Factsheet.

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is instrumental for climate protection

CDR is an integral component of climate change mitigation

Current climate policies are still far from required 1.5°C pathway
All IPCC pathways include CDR to reach net zero by 2050
The IPCC defines CDR as a deliberate, intentional human activity to remove and store CO₂

CDR encompasses an array of methods

CDR methods can be categorized based on their technology intensity

Nature-Based Removals
Enhanced Natural Processes (Hybrid)
Technology-Based Removals

Strong CDR growth anticipated, but current roadblocks delay uptake

All scenarios expect CDR to grow strongly, but the total volume is uncertain
Several long-term scenarios are conceivable for CDR portfolio composition
To achieve 2°C- or 1.5°C-compatible CDR pathway, yet nascent methods need to reach gigaton scale

1

Why CDR?

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CHAPTER 2