What is Greenhouse Gas Removal

GHG removal is a vital technology in the transition to a climate change resilient society. In order to achieve Net-Zero emissions and keep temperatures limited to below 2 degrees, as per the Paris agreement, GHG removal is needed to take human caused carbon emissions back out from the atmosphere.

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Have you ever wondered how we can address the accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere? Let me introduce you to the world of Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR)—also known as "negative emissions" or, specifically for carbon dioxide (CO₂), "carbon dioxide removal (CDR)." These methods offer a way to not just reduce future emissions but also actively remove existing CO₂ from the air, helping to mitigate climate change. Let's explore what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved.

What is Greenhouse Gas Removal?

Greenhouse Gas Removal encompasses a range of techniques designed to capture greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and store or convert them with long-term permanence. Unlike traditional methods that focus on reducing emissions, GGR aims to address the greenhouse gases that are already in the air.

There are various approaches to GGR, but they all involve two main steps: capturing the greenhouse gas and then storing or converting it. For CO₂, this can be achieved through biological processes like planting trees, industrial chemical processes, or natural processes like rock weathering. Depending on the method, the captured carbon can be stored in trees, soil, deep underground, in the ocean, or in long-lasting products.

Why is GGR Important in the Fight Against Climate Change?

The importance of GGR is underscored by the urgent need to achieve net-zero emissions to combat climate change. The accumulation of CO₂ due to human activities has warmed the planet by approximately 1°C since pre-industrial times. This warming contributes to severe climate impacts, including heatwaves, flooding, and extreme weather events.

To limit global warming to well below 2°C and ideally below 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, we must not only reduce emissions but also remove existing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Even with significant reductions in emissions, some industries, such as aviation and agriculture, will continue to produce greenhouse gases. GGR offers a way to offset these unavoidable emissions and even achieve net negative emissions in the future, which could help reverse some aspects of climate change.

Overview of Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies

This is a graphic produced by the leading scientific body on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Find more information from the IPCC on carbon removal here.

How Individuals Can Get Involved

You might be wondering how you, as an individual, can contribute to greenhouse gas removal efforts. Here are a few ways:

  1. Support Reforestation Projects: Trees naturally capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. By supporting reforestation and afforestation projects, you can help enhance this natural process.

  2. Promote and Use Biochar: Biochar is a form of charcoal that, when added to soil, helps sequester carbon for long periods. Supporting biochar initiatives can contribute to soil health and carbon storage.

  3. Advocate for Policies and Innovations: Stay informed about GGR technologies and advocate for policies that support the development and scaling of these solutions. Public support and policy changes are crucial for funding and implementing GGR projects.

  4. Carbon Offsetting: Consider purchasing carbon offsets that support verified GGR projects. This can be a practical way to neutralize your own carbon footprint.

  5. Educate and Spread Awareness: Share information about GGR with your community to increase awareness and support for these critical initiatives.


Greenhouse Gas Removal offers a promising avenue to address the CO₂ already present in our atmosphere, making it a vital tool in the fight against climate change. By understanding what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved, you can play a part in mitigating climate impacts and working towards a more sustainable future.

Have you ever wondered how we can address the accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere? Let me introduce you to the world of Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR)—also known as "negative emissions" or, specifically for carbon dioxide (CO₂), "carbon dioxide removal (CDR)." These methods offer a way to not just reduce future emissions but also actively remove existing CO₂ from the air, helping to mitigate climate change. Let's explore what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved.

What is Greenhouse Gas Removal?

Greenhouse Gas Removal encompasses a range of techniques designed to capture greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and store or convert them with long-term permanence. Unlike traditional methods that focus on reducing emissions, GGR aims to address the greenhouse gases that are already in the air.

There are various approaches to GGR, but they all involve two main steps: capturing the greenhouse gas and then storing or converting it. For CO₂, this can be achieved through biological processes like planting trees, industrial chemical processes, or natural processes like rock weathering. Depending on the method, the captured carbon can be stored in trees, soil, deep underground, in the ocean, or in long-lasting products.

Why is GGR Important in the Fight Against Climate Change?

The importance of GGR is underscored by the urgent need to achieve net-zero emissions to combat climate change. The accumulation of CO₂ due to human activities has warmed the planet by approximately 1°C since pre-industrial times. This warming contributes to severe climate impacts, including heatwaves, flooding, and extreme weather events.

To limit global warming to well below 2°C and ideally below 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, we must not only reduce emissions but also remove existing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Even with significant reductions in emissions, some industries, such as aviation and agriculture, will continue to produce greenhouse gases. GGR offers a way to offset these unavoidable emissions and even achieve net negative emissions in the future, which could help reverse some aspects of climate change.

Overview of Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies

This is a graphic produced by the leading scientific body on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Find more information from the IPCC on carbon removal here.

How Individuals Can Get Involved

You might be wondering how you, as an individual, can contribute to greenhouse gas removal efforts. Here are a few ways:

  1. Support Reforestation Projects: Trees naturally capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. By supporting reforestation and afforestation projects, you can help enhance this natural process.

  2. Promote and Use Biochar: Biochar is a form of charcoal that, when added to soil, helps sequester carbon for long periods. Supporting biochar initiatives can contribute to soil health and carbon storage.

  3. Advocate for Policies and Innovations: Stay informed about GGR technologies and advocate for policies that support the development and scaling of these solutions. Public support and policy changes are crucial for funding and implementing GGR projects.

  4. Carbon Offsetting: Consider purchasing carbon offsets that support verified GGR projects. This can be a practical way to neutralize your own carbon footprint.

  5. Educate and Spread Awareness: Share information about GGR with your community to increase awareness and support for these critical initiatives.


Greenhouse Gas Removal offers a promising avenue to address the CO₂ already present in our atmosphere, making it a vital tool in the fight against climate change. By understanding what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved, you can play a part in mitigating climate impacts and working towards a more sustainable future.

Have you ever wondered how we can address the accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere? Let me introduce you to the world of Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR)—also known as "negative emissions" or, specifically for carbon dioxide (CO₂), "carbon dioxide removal (CDR)." These methods offer a way to not just reduce future emissions but also actively remove existing CO₂ from the air, helping to mitigate climate change. Let's explore what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved.

What is Greenhouse Gas Removal?

Greenhouse Gas Removal encompasses a range of techniques designed to capture greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and store or convert them with long-term permanence. Unlike traditional methods that focus on reducing emissions, GGR aims to address the greenhouse gases that are already in the air.

There are various approaches to GGR, but they all involve two main steps: capturing the greenhouse gas and then storing or converting it. For CO₂, this can be achieved through biological processes like planting trees, industrial chemical processes, or natural processes like rock weathering. Depending on the method, the captured carbon can be stored in trees, soil, deep underground, in the ocean, or in long-lasting products.

Why is GGR Important in the Fight Against Climate Change?

The importance of GGR is underscored by the urgent need to achieve net-zero emissions to combat climate change. The accumulation of CO₂ due to human activities has warmed the planet by approximately 1°C since pre-industrial times. This warming contributes to severe climate impacts, including heatwaves, flooding, and extreme weather events.

To limit global warming to well below 2°C and ideally below 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, we must not only reduce emissions but also remove existing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Even with significant reductions in emissions, some industries, such as aviation and agriculture, will continue to produce greenhouse gases. GGR offers a way to offset these unavoidable emissions and even achieve net negative emissions in the future, which could help reverse some aspects of climate change.

Overview of Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies

This is a graphic produced by the leading scientific body on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Find more information from the IPCC on carbon removal here.

How Individuals Can Get Involved

You might be wondering how you, as an individual, can contribute to greenhouse gas removal efforts. Here are a few ways:

  1. Support Reforestation Projects: Trees naturally capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. By supporting reforestation and afforestation projects, you can help enhance this natural process.

  2. Promote and Use Biochar: Biochar is a form of charcoal that, when added to soil, helps sequester carbon for long periods. Supporting biochar initiatives can contribute to soil health and carbon storage.

  3. Advocate for Policies and Innovations: Stay informed about GGR technologies and advocate for policies that support the development and scaling of these solutions. Public support and policy changes are crucial for funding and implementing GGR projects.

  4. Carbon Offsetting: Consider purchasing carbon offsets that support verified GGR projects. This can be a practical way to neutralize your own carbon footprint.

  5. Educate and Spread Awareness: Share information about GGR with your community to increase awareness and support for these critical initiatives.


Greenhouse Gas Removal offers a promising avenue to address the CO₂ already present in our atmosphere, making it a vital tool in the fight against climate change. By understanding what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved, you can play a part in mitigating climate impacts and working towards a more sustainable future.

Have you ever wondered how we can address the accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere? Let me introduce you to the world of Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR)—also known as "negative emissions" or, specifically for carbon dioxide (CO₂), "carbon dioxide removal (CDR)." These methods offer a way to not just reduce future emissions but also actively remove existing CO₂ from the air, helping to mitigate climate change. Let's explore what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved.

What is Greenhouse Gas Removal?

Greenhouse Gas Removal encompasses a range of techniques designed to capture greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and store or convert them with long-term permanence. Unlike traditional methods that focus on reducing emissions, GGR aims to address the greenhouse gases that are already in the air.

There are various approaches to GGR, but they all involve two main steps: capturing the greenhouse gas and then storing or converting it. For CO₂, this can be achieved through biological processes like planting trees, industrial chemical processes, or natural processes like rock weathering. Depending on the method, the captured carbon can be stored in trees, soil, deep underground, in the ocean, or in long-lasting products.

Why is GGR Important in the Fight Against Climate Change?

The importance of GGR is underscored by the urgent need to achieve net-zero emissions to combat climate change. The accumulation of CO₂ due to human activities has warmed the planet by approximately 1°C since pre-industrial times. This warming contributes to severe climate impacts, including heatwaves, flooding, and extreme weather events.

To limit global warming to well below 2°C and ideally below 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, we must not only reduce emissions but also remove existing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Even with significant reductions in emissions, some industries, such as aviation and agriculture, will continue to produce greenhouse gases. GGR offers a way to offset these unavoidable emissions and even achieve net negative emissions in the future, which could help reverse some aspects of climate change.

Overview of Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies

This is a graphic produced by the leading scientific body on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Find more information from the IPCC on carbon removal here.

How Individuals Can Get Involved

You might be wondering how you, as an individual, can contribute to greenhouse gas removal efforts. Here are a few ways:

  1. Support Reforestation Projects: Trees naturally capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. By supporting reforestation and afforestation projects, you can help enhance this natural process.

  2. Promote and Use Biochar: Biochar is a form of charcoal that, when added to soil, helps sequester carbon for long periods. Supporting biochar initiatives can contribute to soil health and carbon storage.

  3. Advocate for Policies and Innovations: Stay informed about GGR technologies and advocate for policies that support the development and scaling of these solutions. Public support and policy changes are crucial for funding and implementing GGR projects.

  4. Carbon Offsetting: Consider purchasing carbon offsets that support verified GGR projects. This can be a practical way to neutralize your own carbon footprint.

  5. Educate and Spread Awareness: Share information about GGR with your community to increase awareness and support for these critical initiatives.


Greenhouse Gas Removal offers a promising avenue to address the CO₂ already present in our atmosphere, making it a vital tool in the fight against climate change. By understanding what GGR is, why it’s important, and how you can get involved, you can play a part in mitigating climate impacts and working towards a more sustainable future.

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Grantham Institute,
Imperial College London
Exhibition Road, South Kensington
London SW7 2AZ

CarbonWise © 2024.

CarbonWise

Quick Links

Location

Grantham Institute,
Imperial College London
Exhibition Road, South Kensington
London SW7 2AZ

CarbonWise © 2024.

CarbonWise

Quick Links

Location

Grantham Institute,
Imperial College London
Exhibition Road, South Kensington
London SW7 2AZ

CarbonWise © 2024.