At a time when the need for deep, rapid, and sustained emission cuts is indisputable, European governments are increasingly relying on technological, nature-based and mixed-method processes to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Carbon Market Watch analysed the climate strategies and underlying assessments of six European countries – Austria, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, and Norway – and the European Commission. Across the board, an alarming pattern consistently emerges: a heavy reliance on carbon dioxide removals (CDR) to achieve climate targets. Moreover, this dependence is resting on shaky ground due to a consistent failure to carry out critical feasibility assessments.
Our demands
Emission reductions are the priority
Respect the climate action hierarchy. Only consider removals after cutting as many emissions as possible.
Don't let emissions hide behind removals
Set separate, binding targets for permanent carbon dioxide removals, nature-based removals, and emission reductions.
No numbers without a plan
Require full feasibility and sustainability assessments before relying on removals in national climate strategies.
Do not take unnecessary risks
Reduce reliance on removals that may have environmental and social consequences.
Don't race to claim the same hole in the ground
Coordinate with other interested parties on the limited geological CO2 storage capacity.
Define residual emissions transparently
Involve the public and follow the science when deciding on definitions and revise them regularly.
Clear and transparent planning documents
No scattered assumptions or conflation between CDR and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) or Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU).
Connect land sink projections with binding policy action
A forestry target without an effective forestry policy is wishful thinking.
Comparative analysis
Country case studies
The background documents are available upon request at [email protected]
