New Greenhouse Gas Removal Pathways

The Centre for Climate Repair at the University of Cambridge (CCRC) and the Climate Emergency Forum (CEF) present a panel discussion at COP28 in Dubai, UAE on the topic of “New Greenhouse Gas Removal Pathways.”

This video was recorded on December 8th, 2023 at COP28 in Dubai, UAE, and published on January 7th, 2024.

This presentation includes the following content:

Panelists Dr. Shaun D. Fitzgerald, Dr. Chelsey Baker, Paul Holthus, Dr. Amy Ruddock, and Soyoung Oh are introduced by program host Charles Gregoire.
The challenge of keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined by IPCC AR6, is emphasized, pointing out that no scenario in the report currently keeps temperatures below 1.5 degrees, thus necessitating urgent action.
A spectrum of greenhouse gas removal pathways is introduced, ranging from nature-based solutions to engineering approaches.
Ocean-based climate mitigation solutions, due to the ocean’s role as a significant carbon sink, are repeatedly emphasized with open questions, which include efficiency, repeatability, feasibility, and the need for monitoring, reporting, and verification.
Scientific assessment and consensus are crucial for responsible and scalable implementation.
The ocean’s potential as a gigaton-scale nature-based solution for carbon sequestration is highlighted.
The importance of the next decade is stressed for proving or disproving ocean-based carbon dioxide removal technologies.
The need for a global-scale collaborative effort involving businesses, entrepreneurs, and governments is emphasized.
Carbon Engineering’s Direct Air Capture using large fans to draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is described.
Opportunities and challenges in Biomass for Energy with CCS (BECCS) and Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACS) are presented.
The importance of incorporating compliance levels into industry standards is highlighted for the successful implementation of greenhouse gas removal plans.

Guest Panelists:

Dr. Shaun Fitzgerald - Executive Director of the Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge (CCRC). Shaun is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering who works at the interface of academic research, business, government policy and public engagement.
Dr. Chelsey Baker - is an Ocean Biogeochemical Data and Model Analyst at National Oceanography Centre in the UK. Her research focuses on the biological carbon pump and the controls on particle flux and subsequent carbon storage in the ocean.
Dr. Amy Ruddock - is VP Europe at Carbon Engineering, Prior to Carbon Engineering, Amy was VP Corporate Development and Sustainability at Virgin Atlantic where she was accountable for setting and delivering carbon strategy, securing expansion at London’s Heathrow Airport, corporate strategy and government affairs.
Paul Holthus - is founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Ocean Council. He works with the private sector and market forces to develop practical solutions for achieving sustainable development and addressing environmental concerns, especially for marine areas and resources. Paul has been involved in coastal and marine resource sustainable development and conservation work in over 30 countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, Central America and Africa.
Soyoung Oh - is a PhD student at the Fletcher School, Tufts University, and a research analyst at Perspectives Climate Group in Germany with a focus on climate policy. Her current work includes the political economy of CCS, BECCS and DACCS and the decarbonization of industrial hubs. Previously, she worked for Columbia University’s Center on Sustainable Investment in New York City.

Program Host & Video Production:

Charles Gregoire - Climate Reality Leader, Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Video Production:

Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP27 Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.