Summary
This systematic literature review synthesises evidence on the costs, potentials, and side-effects of seven negative emissions technologies (NETs) relevant to climate mitigation pathways consistent with 1.5–2 °C warming targets. The authors present best estimates for sustainable global NET potentials in 2050 ranging from 0.5–5 GtCO₂ yr⁻¹ across technologies, with particular emphasis on soil carbon sequestration (up to 5 GtCO₂ yr⁻¹) and BECCS (0.5–5 GtCO₂ yr⁻¹). The review concludes that no single NET is likely to sustainably meet carbon uptake rates described in integrated assessment models, implying a portfolio approach is necessary for viable climate mitigation.
UK applicability
The findings are globally applicable but have direct relevance to UK climate policy, particularly regarding the Government's reliance on negative emissions in Net Zero pathway scenarios. The potentials and cost ranges identified for afforestation, BECCS, biochar, and soil carbon sequestration are pertinent to UK land use and agricultural policy, though localised assessments of UK-specific constraints and co-benefits would be required for policy implementation.
Key measures
Cost estimates (currency per tonne CO₂); sustainable global potentials (GtCO₂ yr⁻¹ in 2050); permanency assessments; cumulative potentials beyond 2050
Outcomes reported
The study presents systematic estimates of costs, potentials, and side-effects for seven negative emissions technologies (NETs) including BECCS, afforestation, DACCS, enhanced weathering, ocean fertilisation, biochar, and soil carbon sequestration. Best estimates for sustainable global NET potentials in 2050 are provided for each technology, alongside assessment of their permanency and cumulative potentials.
Topic tags
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