Module 1: Carbon Removal Bigger Picture and Scale
We begin our carbon removal journey with an overview of what carbon removal actually means, how much of it do we really have to do, how much money it will cost, and what our options for actually capturing and sequestering that amount of carbon. We’ll see a range of solutions, from natural solutions that let nature and photosynthesis do most of the work, to engineered solutions that use chemical processes to capture the carbon. Enjoy the first module!
High Flyer
1. A mental model for combating climate change
Nan Ransohoff
First, some bigger picture thinking about how carbon removal fits into the broader set of climate change solutions.
Article - 10 min
2. We Need To Take CO2 Out Of The Sky
Ryan Orbuch
A clear and accessible introduction to what carbon removal is all about, giving perspective both on the problem and potential solutions. There are a LOT of external links to more information, but the important thing here is getting a sense of the bigger picture. Read this one carefully, maybe a few times, because the ideas in here will keep coming back.
Article - 40 min
3. The Time for Carbon Removal has Come
BCG
This report is an independent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to assess the market opportunity, across both voluntary and non-voluntary markets, for a select set of CDR methods in the 2030–2040 timeframe, leveraging select interviews and a survey of 100+ current and potential buyers as well as BCG IP and analysis.
Report - 60 min
Climate Student
11. Let’s make this the year we stop conflating carbon removal with carbon capture.
Na'im Merchant
Carbon capture and carbon removal are different things! Read this to understand the difference.
Article - 10 min
10. Let’s Not Pretend Planting Trees Is a Permanent Climate Solution
NY Times
Durability or pemanence is a critical way to distinguish different carbon removal strategies. Read an op-ed here about why this means trees aren't sufficient to solve the carbon removal problem.
Article - 15 min
5. 6 Ways to Remove Carbon Pollution from the Sky
World Resources Institute
Another high level overview of the different methods for doing carbon removal. Not too much detail on each one yet, but that's what the rest of the modules in the curriculum are for!
Article - 10 min
4. CDR Primer Chapter 1: The Case for Carbon Dioxide Removal: From Science to Justice
Toly Rinberg and Andrew Bergman
This introduction chapter to the CDR Primer touches on so many important concepts: carbon cycle feedbacks, how much CDR we actually ~need~, environmental justice concerns, additionality, and more. Get reading!
Article - 60 min
CDR Primer
Read through this glossary of keywords carefully, since these terms will show up all over the place as your explore the climate and CDR spaces.
Website - 30 min
ClimeFi
The ClimeFi 2024 Year in Review highlights significant advancements in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) policies and standards, emphasizing the growing involvement of governments in shaping the carbon removal market. Key milestones include the University of Oxford's revised Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting, the European Commission's proposal for a 2040 climate target necessitating substantial permanent CDR, and the U.S. government's Voluntary CDR Purchase Challenge, which has garnered matching commitments from corporations like Google and Meta.
Report - 40 min
7. 2024+ CDR Market Outlook Summary Report
CDR.fyi
The CDR.fyi 2024+ Market Outlook Summary Report explores the state of the CDR market for 2024 and onward. Their research reveals that most buyers are motivated to support the early development of the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) industry, with 80% budgeting over $100 per tonne in 2024 and 67% expecting to pay similar prices by 2050. Suppliers anticipate scaling up significantly, with 93% expecting to exceed 10,000 tonnes by 2030 and 70% projecting sales of over 1 million tonnes annually by 2050, although access to financing and policy challenges remain key risks.
Report - 20 min
CarbonPlan
This database compiles reports on public CDR projects and categorizes them by technology type, volume, avoidance/removal, ratings, years, and more. It’s a helpful resource for understanding the breadth of CDR technologies and companies operating in the industry.
Website - 15 min
Climate Master
12. Deep Time (Climate and Carbon Removal Analogues)
Living Carbon
There are quite a few analogues for our current climate crisis and for carbon removal solutions that have naturally worked to change the climate in our geologic past. Learn more here!
Article - 20 min
13. Barriers to scaling the long-duration carbon dioxide removal industry
CarbonPlan
An assessment of carbon removal stakeholder perceptions, priorities, and barriers to scaling the industry.
Report - 30 min
14. The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal
Leading CDR Academics
A global, independent scientific assessment of Carbon Dioxide Removal. Quite robust!
Report - 120+ min