Greenhouse gas removals (GGR) will play an increasingly important role in reducing net zero emissions in the near term, counterbalancing residual emissions to achieve net zero by mid-century, and achieving net-negative emissions in the long term. To realise these critical roles, a global GGR industry needs to be scaled up from the current low level of activity, but not at the expense rapid emissions reductions.
This policy briefing sets out the recommended actions for the new government to put the UK on track to scale GGR in a sustainable, credible and timely way, in order to achieve legislated climate requirements alongside meeting broader goals. The recommendations include:
1. Take a strategic approach to Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) to maximise opportunities for the UK and manage risks:
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- Develop a strategy for GGR
- Be outward facing in the UK’s approach to GGR
- Address the institutional arrangements needed to develop and deploy GGR technologies
- Keep options open, monitor progress and adapt.
2. Put public engagement at the heart of GGR policymaking:
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- Embed public engagement into decision-making through mandating a Citizens’ Assembly that goes beyond purely determining ‘acceptability’
- Develop best practice methods and guidance on community engagement and mechanisms for embedding it into governance
- Communicate GGR responsibly.
3. Harness the potential for the UK to lead on aligning climate and broader sustainability goals:
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- Embed GGR into broader strategies for sustainable development and vice versa
- Develop governance frameworks that ensure genuine sustainability and social responsibility at project level and as GGR scales
- Play a leading role in developing standards and rewards systems that create a level playing field across technologies and incentivise multiple outcomes.
4. Create robust and flexible routes for GGR scale-up that build investor confidence:
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- Take a holistic approach to policymaking by developing and testing policy ‘bundles’ that work across the full system of supply, demand and the enabling environment
- Develop flexible policies that reflect the diversity of GGR method
- Support local authorities to deliver GGR approaches and solutions.
