Why net zero needs more than reduction

Key findings

• Study uses Germany as an example to analyse the extent to which CO₂ removal methods can contribute to achieving Germany's climate targets
• Without a "rapid ramp-up" of suitable removal projects, the target can hardly be achieved
• Study recommends a broad mix of methods
• Nature-based projects (NBS) are particularly valuable
• Technical solutions currently not yet sufficiently efficient and effective

Link to the study

Even with a very ambitious climate policy, so-called residual emissions will remain in the future - i.e. greenhouse gases that cannot be completely avoided technically, economically or socially. Even if emissions are consistently reduced, these relevant sources of emissions will remain - for example in industrial processes, construction or agriculture. In a four-year interdisciplinary collaboration, more than 100 researchers have investigated to what extent and with which methods carbon dioxide can be permanently removed from the atmosphere. The results of the first project phase of the CDRterra study now available clearly show that the role of CO₂ sinks has been underestimated to date, while the expected residual emissions are higher than assumed.

Why reduction alone is not enough

Using Germany as an example, the CDRterra study assumes that, depending on developments, 60 to 130 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per year will need to be offset in 2045 in order to achieve the climate target. Greenhouse gas neutrality therefore does not mean that no more emissions are produced, but that emissions are reduced as far as possible and remaining emissions are offset by equivalent CO₂ removals.

This order of magnitude makes it clear: CO₂ removal is a central pillar of effective climate protection and is indispensable.

According to the study, achieving this goal requires a broad mix of methods for CO₂ removal, as myclimate is also pursuing with its various climate protection projects. This allows risks to be spread and ecological and social conflicts of interest to be minimised, for example with regard to the land consumption of the projects.

Nature-based, bioenergetic and technical approaches were analysed:

• Nature-based solutions (NBS) such as forest development, agroforestry and peatland rewetting
• Biogenic CO₂ removal via biochar or bioenergy with CO₂ capture
• Technical approaches, such as CO₂-storing building materials or new material cycles

A portfolio approach instead of simple solutions

A key finding of the study is the multiple benefits of CO₂ removal projects. Many measures not only improve the carbon footprint, but also strengthen biodiversity, soil fertility, the water balance and the resilience of landscapes. Examples of this multiple benefit include projects such as paludiculture in rewetted peatlands, the use of biochar, biogenic building materials as a store CO2 or agroculture. What they all have in common is that, in combination and in themselves, they provide answers to conflicting objectives such as land consumption. Agroculture, for example, continues to enable the utilisation of agricultural land while at the same time removing CO2 and having other positive effects such as soil quality, water management and biodiversity. However, the study also clearly shows the economic hurdles: Without adapted support instruments, such forms of utilisation are not economically attractive for many farms. This is one reason why myclimate now offers the largest agroforestry promotion programme in the German-speaking world.

Technical solutions currently only insufficiently suitable

Although new methods, some of which are highly publicised, have potential, the research team still considers them to be unsuitable at present. These include the accelerated weathering of rock, artificial photosynthesis and direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 from the air. They are currently too complex, energy-intensive, too expensive and not efficient enough. Researchers hope that a method of artificial photosynthesis will be more successful in the future. In this method, CO2 is converted into liquid or solid carbon products using solar energy and chemical processes, making it easy to store.

Conclusion: Acting responsibly - today and tomorrow

The CDRterra study makes it clear that climate neutrality cannot be achieved and net zero cannot be maintained without CO2 removal. At the same time, CO₂ removal is not a licence to delay climate protection. The decisive factor is the interplay between reduction and high-quality offsetting. In order to set up suitable projects in the required quantity in good time, financial support, expertise and a legal and social framework are needed to drive the change forward at the required speed. myclimate already offers companies the solutions mentioned in the study, from peatlands and reforestation to biochar.

Let us advise you now on reduction approaches and suitable climate protection projects!