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We Need To Take CO2 Out Of The Sky
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We Need To Take CO2 Out Of The Sky

To keep below two degrees, we’ll need to dramatically reduce current emissions and simultaneously remove 10-15 gigatons of CO2/yr from the atmosphere by 2050. Read on for what that means, why, and how we might do it.

Ryan Orbuch
Ryan Orbuch, 2020
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8

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Analytical
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Scientists continue to debate methods of limiting the Earth’s atmospheric temperature increase to a minimum of 2°C [3.6 °F] by 2050, the Paris Agreement’s proposed acceptable level. But researcher Ryan Orbuch insists that simply reducing current greenhouse gas emissions will never go far enough, even if all countries work toward that goal. Humans must additionally remove up to 15 gigatons of CO2 from the sky per year. To achieve this, employing negative emissions technologies (NETs) will be key.

Take-Aways

  • Earth’s runaway global greenhouse effect, a major contributor to climate change, results from burning fossil fuels, industry and agriculture.
  • There are three negative emissions technologies (NETs): chemical, mineral and plant-based.
  • For any NET solution, the key is to ensure that the entire system results in net CO2 removal.

About the Author

Ryan Orbuch is a climate research associate at Stripe, a company that builds economic infrastructure for the internet. Stripe strongly supports negative emissions technology.

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