Can large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) be deployed in a responsible and climate-just manner to help achieve a carbon-neutral society? This question was the focus of a workshop held at the University of Twente (UT) on 12 May, attended by over 30 participants from the worlds of research, policy and practice. The UT is conducting an exploratory study on this topic in collaboration with Deltares and TU Delft.
A controversial topic
The application of technology to remove carbon from the air is still in its infancy, but governments and industry regard this as a promising solution for achieving the climate targets that have been set. Many critics, however, fear that investment in CDR will be at the expense of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions at source. There is also a risk of ‘greenwashing’ here. Furthermore, there is a perception that carbon removal from the air is relatively cumbersome, with the potential for a significant impact on physical space and the environment.Photo of a slide from a presentation during the workshop
Climate justice
Both within government and industry, the deployment of CDR is primarily approached from a technological and economic perspective. In the exploratory study and during the workshop, however, it is precisely the socio-cultural and spatial-ecological aspects that take centre stage. Questions in this regard include, for example: “What forms of CDR exist and how do they relate to one another?”, “What are the unavoidable emissions that CDR should address?”, “What land use does CDR require and what are the environmental consequences?”, and “When is CDR socially and ethically justifiable?”.
During the workshop, natural forms of carbon removal were discussed, including afforestation, carbon farming, wetlands, carbonised biomass and carbon farming. According to experts, these and other natural forms not mentioned here have both advantages and disadvantages. At this stage of the study, none of these solutions stands out as the ‘most suitable solution’. Many participants argued that CDR should not be viewed merely as a stand-alone technology or measure, but rather systemically as part of a larger whole. The perspective of climate justice is often still lacking, leaving the door open to potential abuse. What became particularly clear is that further research and practical knowledge are needed to arrive at responsible forms of carbon removal.
The exploratory study on responsible CDR will be completed in June 2026. It will be published on the KIN website. The KIN intends to follow this up, together with partner organisations, by setting up a knowledge programme specifically designed to better identify the social and ecological aspects.
Read more here about KIN’s ‘Exploratory Study into Responsible Carbon Removal’ programme.