WHAT ARE THE PATHWAYS?
PATHWAY 1:
AFFORESTATION REFORESTATION REVEGETATION (ARR)
What is Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR)?
Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) are critical strategies aimed at restoring and enhancing ecosystems for various environmental benefits, including carbon removal, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management. While these terms share the common goal of increasing vegetation cover, they differ in their specific objectives and application.
Afforestation is the process of establishing a forest or stand of trees in an area that has not been forested for a significant period or has never supported a forest ecosystem. It involves the deliberate planting of trees on lands that may have been used for agriculture, urban development, or other non-forest purposes. The goal is to create new forest cover and enhance ecological, environmental, and social benefits associated with thriving forests.
Reforestation is the deliberate and planned process of replanting trees in areas that were previously covered by forests but have undergone deforestation or degradation. This practice aims to restore or rehabilitate ecosystems that have experienced a loss of tree cover due to various factors such as logging, wildfires, agricultural activities, or urban development. Reforestation involves the planting of tree saplings, promoting natural regeneration, and actively managing the growth of new trees.
Revegetation is the process of establishing or restoring vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and other plant species, in an area that has been disturbed, degraded, or is lacking in significant vegetation cover. Unlike afforestation or reforestation, revegetation is a broader term that encompasses the establishment of various plant communities beyond just trees. It is employed in a variety of landscapes, including grasslands, degraded pastures, mining sites, and urban areas. The objective of Revegetation is to increase overall vegetation cover, including various plant species beyond trees and improve soil stability, prevent erosion, and enhance ecosystem functions.
Common Benefits of ARR:
Carbon Sequestration- All three practices contribute to carbon removal by increasing the presence of vegetation that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide.
Biodiversity Conservation- ARR initiatives help restore habitats, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Erosion Control and Soil Health- Vegetation cover provided by ARR practices helps prevent soil erosion, promoting soil health and fertility.
Climate Change Mitigation- Increased vegetation cover aids in mitigating the impacts of climate change by enhancing natural carbon sinks.
Ecosystem Services- Forested and vegetated areas provide essential ecosystem services, including water regulation, air purification, and habitat provision.
Conclusion
ARR practices are vital components of global efforts to combat deforestation, promote sustainable land management, and address climate change. These strategies contribute to the restoration and conservation of ecosystems, ensuring a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations.
PATHWAY 2:
MANGROVE FARMING
What is Mangrove Farming?
Mangrove farming, which comprises the intentional cultivation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems to capitalise on their exceptional capacity to retain and store carbon, is a sustainable method of removing carbon from the atmosphere. Mangroves are unique and important tools in the fight against climate change because they are coastal plants and shrubs that flourish in the brackish water of intertidal zones.
The Carbon Sequestration Mechanism of Mangroves:
Photosynthesis and Carbon Uptake- Mangroves are essential for the process of photosynthesis, which sequesters carbon. They take in atmospheric carbon dioxide and transform it into organic carbon molecules.
Carbon Storage in Biomass- The leaves, stems, and roots of mangroves are stores of the organic carbon created during photosynthesis. Over the course of their lives, mangrove trees have a great capacity to absorb and hold carbon.
Blue Carbon in Sediments- The carbon stored in coastal and marine environments is referred to as "blue carbon," and mangrove habitats are recognised for their ability to sequester it. Carbon-rich sediments are built up in part by mangroves' organic debris and falling leaves.
Long-Term Carbon Storage- Mangrove biomass and sediments have the capacity to store carbon for long epochs—even centuries. Mangroves are useful in eliminating carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and slowing down climate change because of this long-term storage.
Mangrove Farming Practices:
Reforestation and Restoration- In regions where mangrove ecosystems have been lost or degraded as a result of natural disasters or human activity, mangrove farming frequently entails the deliberate planting of mangrove saplings.
Enhancing the general health and covering of mangrove habitats is the goal of reforestation initiatives.
Community Engagement- Local communities are typically actively involved in successful mangrove farming programmes. This involvement guarantees the projects' viability and cultivates a sense of stewardship among community members.
Sustainable Practices- Ecologically friendly and sustainable techniques are used in mangrove farming. This could entail encouraging organic methods, staying away from dangerous chemicals, and taking action to preserve the biodiversity that already exists.
Benefits of Mangrove Farming for Carbon Removal:
Climate Change Mitigation- By storing and sequestering large amounts of carbon, mangrove farming helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by lowering the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases.
Biodiversity Conservation- Mangrove ecosystems support a wide variety of marine and terrestrial species, making them hotspots for biodiversity. These vital habitats are conserved and restored with the aid of mangrove farming.
Coast Protection- Mangroves serve as erosion and storm surge protection for coasts as they naturally occur. The resilience of coastal communities against the effects of climate change is facilitated by robust mangrove ecosystems.
Sustainable Livelihoods- By including the local community in mangrove farming initiatives, sustainable livelihoods can be produced through the gathering of non-timber forest products, aquaculture, and eco-friendly tourism.
PATHWAY 3:
J REDD+
J REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) refers to a framework within the context of climate change mitigation efforts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) launched the REDD+ programme to provide developing nations with financial incentives to cut back on emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.
The "Jurisdictional" component of REDD+ highlights the significance of tackling deforestation and forest degradation at the regional or jurisdictional level as opposed to concentrating only on specific projects or regions. This method acknowledges that combating the intricate problem of deforestation necessitates a thorough plan that takes into account the larger environment in which deforestation takes place.
Key features of Jurisdictional REDD+ include:
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Scale: Instead of focusing on specific projects or isolated areas, jurisdictional REDD+ looks at entire regions or Jurisdictions, considering the overall impact on emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
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Inclusivity: This approach involves the active participation of various stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and other relevant actors. Collaboration and inclusivity are essential for the success of Jurisdictional REDD+ programs.
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Safeguards: Jurisdictional REDD+ programs typically include safeguards to ensure the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, as well as to prevent negative social and environmental impacts.
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Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV): Accurate and transparent measurement, reporting, and verification of emissions reductions are crucial components of Jurisdictional REDD+. These processes help ensure that the claimed reductions are real and credible.
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Incentive Mechanisms: Jurisdictional REDD+ often involves financial incentives for jurisdictions that successfully reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. These incentives may come from international sources, such as carbon markets or climate finance mechanisms.
REDD+ seeks to address the drivers of deforestation more thoroughly by adopting a jurisdictional approach and taking into account the larger socioeconomic and environmental context in which deforestation occurs. This strategy is thought to be a more all-encompassing and sustainable way to fight deforestation and support international efforts to mitigate climate change.
PATHWAY 4:
OCEANIC ALKALINITY ENHANCEMENT
Oceanic Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE), is a method of mitigating climate change, is to increase seawater's natural ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere by purposefully making it more alkaline. The main goal is to reduce the effects of climate change by using the oceans as a "sink" for extra CO2. The chemical reactions that take place in seawater provide the foundation for the idea of OAE. The term "alkalinity" describes a solution's capacity to neutralise acids. Increasing the concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate ions in the water, which promotes the uptake of CO2, is one way to increase alkalinity in the ocean. Through this process, atmospheric CO2 is transformed into dissolved forms of inorganic carbon that the ocean can store for a long time.
Method to implement Oceanic Alkalinity Enhancement:
Mineral Weathering- process involves rocks that have been finely pulverised and dispersed into the water. Seawater containing these rocks reacts with the carbonic acid to produce carbonate ions and a rise in alkalinity.
The increased alkalinity has several potential benefits:
Carbon Sequestration- The ocean's capacity to absorb and store CO2 is increased by increasing alkalinity, which helps with the long-term sequestration of carbon.
Mitigation of Ocean Acidification- Marine ecosystems may be negatively impacted by ocean acidification, which is a result of increased atmospheric CO2 levels. By raising the alkalinity of seawater, OAE counteracts this and slows down the acidification process.
Explanation of Mineral Weathering
Finely ground rocks can be dispersed into the ocean. The weathering of the mineral from the rocks involves the following chemical reactions:
This reaction releases magnesium ions Mg2+, forms bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), and produces silicic acid H4SiO4, contributing to the increase in alkalinity.
PATHWAY 5:
ENHANCED ROCK WEATHERING
Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)
Enhanced rock weathering is a proposed geoengineering technique aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change. The process involves accelerating the natural weathering of certain types of rocks, which can absorb CO2 during the chemical reactions that occur when the rocks are exposed to air and water.
What are these mineral rocks?
Rocks that contains magnesium, iron, and silicate, and it is known for its high reactivity with carbon dioxide (CO2). The process involves utilising mineral-rich rocks to accelerate the natural weathering reactions that capture and store CO2 from the atmosphere.
Here's a breakdown of the key steps involved in enhanced rock weathering with mineral rock:
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Mineral Selection: The mineral is chosen as the rock of interest due to high magnesium content and its ability to react with CO2. When the mineral weathers, it undergoes a series of chemical reactions that result in the conversion of CO2 into stable carbonate minerals.
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Crushing: The rocks are crushed into smaller particles to increase their surface area. This step is crucial for enhancing the reactivity of the mineral with CO2.
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Application to Land: The crushed particles are then spread over large land areas, such as agricultural fields or degraded landscapes. This can be done through various methods, including spreading the crushed rocks as a thin layer over the soil.
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Weathering Reactions: Once the particles are exposed to atmospheric conditions, including air and water, weathering reactions take place. During these reactions, the mineral reacts with CO2 in the air to form stable carbonate minerals, such as magnesite.
The overall goal of Enhanced Rock Weathering
The goal is to harness the natural mineralization process to capture and store carbon in a stable geological form. By accelerating these weathering reactions, the technique aims to contribute to the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.
PATHWAY 6:
BIOCHAR
Biochar is becoming a major force in the carbon removal market. This cutting-edge carbon-negative technology turns organic waste into a useful resource while simultaneously addressing environmental issues.
What is Biochar and can it benefit the environment?
Wood chips, biomass waste, and agricultural wastes are examples of organic resources that can be pyrolyzed to create biochar, a type of charcoal. In contrast to conventional charcoal, which is mostly utilised for heating, biochar has two benefits: it improves soil health and offers a stable method of storing carbon.
The Carbon Removal Process:
1. Pyrolysis:
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The first step involves heating organic materials in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis.
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This results in the conversion of biomass into biochar and other by-products like bio-oil and syngas.
2. Stable Carbon Storage:
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Biochar is rich in stable carbon, which means it can sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years.
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By storing carbon in a stable form, biochar helps offset carbon emissions and mitigates the impact of climate change.
3. Soil Enrichment:
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When incorporated into soil, biochar improves its structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
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Enhanced soil health promotes sustainable agriculture and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Benefits of Biochar for Carbon Removal:
Carbon Sequestration- Biochar acts as a carbon sink, pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locking it away in a stable form, effectively removing it from the carbon cycle.
Soil Carbon Enhancement- By incorporating biochar into agricultural soil, we not only store carbon but also enhance the overall carbon content of the soil, fostering long-term sustainability.
Waste to Value- Biochar production provides an eco-friendly solution for managing organic waste, turning it into a valuable resource for carbon removal and soil improvement.
Reduced Methane Emissions- Biochar-amended soil has been shown to reduce methane emissions, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practice.
Conclusion
Biochar stands at the intersection of waste management, carbon removal, and soil health enhancement. As we strive for a carbon-neutral future, this remarkable technology offers a tangible and scalable solution.
PATHWAY 6:
CARBON CAPTURE STORAGE (CCS)
What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a set of technologies and processes designed to seize carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that arise from burning fossil fuels to generate energy and run industrial processes. After that, the extracted CO2 is moved and kept safely underground to keep it from escaping into space. CCS is regarded as a crucial element in the endeavours to alleviate climate change by the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Process of Carbon Capture and Storage:
1. Capture:
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Pre-Combustion Capture: Occurs before the fuel is burned. Carbon is separated from the fuel, and a synthetic gas (syngas) is produced.
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Post-Combustion Capture: Captures CO2 from the flue gases after combustion. Various technologies, such as chemical scrubbers or solvents, are used to capture the CO2.
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Oxy-Fuel Combustion: Involves burning fossil fuels in an oxygen-rich environment, producing a flue gas with concentrated CO2, which is then captured.
2. Transport:
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Once captured, the CO2 is compressed and transported via pipelines or other means to the storage site. Transportation may also involve the use of ships or trucks.
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3. Storage:
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The captured CO2 is injected deep underground into geological formations, typically in depleted oil and gas fields, saline aquifers, or other suitable geological formations.
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The storage sites are carefully chosen to ensure the long-term containment and safety of the stored CO2.
Objectives of Carbon Capture and Storage:
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction- The primary objective of CCS is to reduce the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change and its associated impacts.
Fossil Fuel Use Transition- CCS facilitates the continued use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and industrial processes while minimizing their environmental impact. It can act as a transitional technology as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources.
Carbon Neutral or Negative Energy Production- By capturing and storing CO2 emissions, certain processes, industries, or power plants can achieve carbon neutrality or even negative carbon emissions, meaning they remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than they emit.
Industrial Emissions Reduction- CCS is particularly relevant for heavy industries with high carbon emissions, such as cement, steel, and chemical manufacturing. It enables these industries to continue operations with reduced environmental impact.
Energy Security- CCS can contribute to energy security by allowing the continued use of existing fossil fuel infrastructure while reducing emissions. This is especially important in regions heavily reliant on fossil fuels for energy.
Bridge to a Low-Carbon Future- CCS is seen as a bridge technology that can help achieve emissions reduction goals while providing reliable energy. It complements the growth of renewable energy sources by addressing the intermittency and reliability challenges associated with some renewables.
Preserving Investments in Existing Infrastructure- CCS allows for the continued use of existing power plants and industrial facilities, preserving the investments made in these infrastructures while minimizing their environmental impact.
PATHWAY 7:
DIRECT AIR CAPTURE (DAC)
What is Direct Air Capture (DAC)?
Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology designed to extract carbon dioxide (CO2) straight from the surrounding air. DAC concentrates on removing CO2 from the atmosphere directly, as contrast to conventional carbon capture methods that capture emissions at the source (such as power plants or industrial facilities). This procedure is regarded as a component of a larger class of tactics referred to as negative emissions technologies, or carbon dioxide removal (CDR).
Process of Direct Air Capture?
1. Air Intake:
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Large fans or other devices pull ambient air into the DAC system.
2. CO2 Capture:
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The captured air goes through a chemical process that selectively captures CO2. Different chemical sorbents or solvents are often used to bind with CO2 molecules.
3. CO2 Separation:
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The captured CO2 is separated from the remaining air. This is typically done through the application of heat, which releases the CO2 from the chemical sorbent or solvent.
4. CO2 Storage or Utilization:
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The captured CO2 can be stored underground, similar to carbon capture and storage (CCS) methods, or it can be utilized for various purposes such as enhanced oil recovery or in the production of synthetic fuels and materials.
Objective and application of ACC
Climate Change Mitigation- The primary objective of DAC is to mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. This technology is seen as a way to actively remove CO2 that has already been emitted, contributing to efforts to limit global temperature rise.
Offsetting Emissions- DAC can be used to offset emissions from sectors that are challenging to decarbonize fully, such as aviation, certain industrial processes, or agriculture. It provides a means to achieve carbon neutrality or negative emissions.
Carbon Removal- DAC is considered a form of carbon removal technology. It can be deployed strategically to actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to address the cumulative impact of historical emissions.
Climate Engineering and Geoengineering- DAC is sometimes discussed in the context of climate engineering or geoengineering, which involves deliberate, large-scale interventions in the Earth's climate system. DAC is viewed as a potential tool to counteract the effects of increased CO2 levels.
Carbon Utilisation- Captured CO2 can be used in various ways, such as in the production of synthetic fuels, chemicals, or building materials. This approach can contribute to a circular carbon economy.
Adaptation to Climate Change- DAC can assist in adapting to the impacts of climate change by actively reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations, potentially mitigating some of the consequences of rising temperatures.
Flexibility in Location- DAC systems are not bound to specific locations, providing flexibility in their deployment. This allows them to be placed strategically where the removal of CO2 is most efficient or where emissions are challenging to mitigate directly.
