White papers
Published: 8 November 2021

Net-Zero to Net-Negative: A Guide for Leaders on Carbon Removal

To achieve the goal of a safe climate, we will need to both dramatically reduce emissions to achieve absolute zero greenhouse gases and simultaneously start reducing the stock of pollutants already in the atmosphere – which would otherwise remain there for thousands of years. This publication focuses on the 10–20 billion tons of CO2 removals needed every year if we are to keep warming below Paris Agreement thresholds.

To achieve the goal of a safe climate, we will need to both dramatically reduce emissions to achieve absolute zero greenhouse gases and simultaneously start reducing the stock of pollutants already in the atmosphere – which would otherwise remain there for thousands of years. This publication focuses on the 10–20 billion tons of CO2 removals needed every year if we are to keep warming below Paris Agreement thresholds.

Members of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Net-Zero Transition and the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders’ Carbon Removals Climate Action working group joined forces to develop this white paper. They also prepared a presentation that supports decision-makers when considering carbon removal options, urging them to take ambitious action to support an emerging set of climate solutions.

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