Australia prioritises carbon dioxide removal technologies to combat climate change
With global temperatures rising and emissions increasing, Australia seeks to implement carbon dioxide removal technologies as part of its strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Amid growing concerns over rising global temperatures and increasing carbon emissions, Australia is focusing on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies as a crucial component of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the Climate Change Authority, approximately 133 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions will need to be extracted from the atmosphere annually to meet this ambitious goal. This presents a significant challenge, particularly as fossil fuel emissions continue to rise globally, with 2024 predicted to be the hottest year on record.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has underscored the urgent need for CDR, emphasising that without significant removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, neither global nor national net-zero objectives can be achieved. The scientific consensus has shifted from debating whether CDR is necessary to acknowledging it as an essential element in combating climate change, as current emissions reductions are deemed insufficient. To effectively limit global warming to the critical 1.5°C threshold, experts estimate a need for the removal of 7–9 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Current strategies and technologies for carbon dioxide removal are bifurcated into two categories—conventional and novel approaches. Conventional methods include nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, soil carbon enhancement, and the restoration of coastal ecosystems like mangroves. While effective in the short term, these strategies are limited by issues such as saturation and vulnerability to climate impacts, including wildfires which release stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
On the other hand, novel technologies—still in their infancy, comprising less than 0.1% of total global carbon dioxide removal—offer potential for more durable and scalable solutions. These include methods like adding crushed carbonate or silicate rocks to land or oceans, which could facilitate long-term carbon storage.
However, the deployment of CDR technologies raises multiple considerations and potential risks. Market estimates suggest that the global CDR market could reach US$1.1 trillion by 2050, but this burgeoning interest also risks overstating benefits and could lead to misleading claims, often referred to as greenwashing. The IPCC is taking steps to develop evidence-based methods for verifying carbon removal which could enhance transparency and accountability in this emerging sector.
Challenges are not only technical; socio-environmental implications need careful consideration as well. For instance, land and water use conflicts may arise when employing certain CDR methods, affecting agricultural capacity and biodiversity conservation efforts. Additionally, there is a need for inclusive discussions with First Nations communities in Australia, as their rights and perspectives on land use and environmental interventions must be central to any sustainable development plans.
Australia’s considerable landmass and access to renewable energy, paired with an adept workforce, position the nation well to develop a new industry centred around carbon dioxide removal. The federal government is prioritising research into effective CDR technologies, with organisations such as CSIRO leading advancements in this field.
As global carbon dioxide levels already exceed safe thresholds, the necessity for both emissions reduction and carbon removal is becoming increasingly critical. A multifaceted approach incorporating both strategies may be the key to preserving ecological balance and addressing climate challenges effectively.
Source: Noah Wire Services