Carbon Removal refers to the removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that has already been emitted into the atmosphere and its long-term isolation from the air. In the provided context, it is presented as a climate strategy that complements emissions reduction rather than replacing it. Its main role is to offset residual emissions from sectors that are difficult to fully decarbonize, such as industry and aviation, and to help stabilize the climate over the long term. Research cited in the context suggests that large-scale negative emissions may be needed in the second half of this century to meet the 1.5°C target.
The context divides carbon removal into two broad categories. Nature-based approaches include afforestation, forest creation, and soil carbon enhancement. These methods are relatively inexpensive and can be deployed with existing techniques, but they are limited by potential scale and by permanence risks, such as re-release through forest fires. Technology-based approaches include DAC (Direct Air Capture) and BECCS. These methods are theoretically capable of more permanent storage, but they face major challenges in cost, energy demand, and the availability and safety of geological storage sites. Current deployment remains very small compared with global emissions, and DAC is still at the pilot-plant stage. For that reason, carbon removal is described as an important but supplementary climate measure, not a substitute for cutting emissions.