The research, involving researcher Humphrey Adun of Near East University, shows that over-reliance on CDR technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions can lead to significant environmental and socio-economic problems.

Some projects implemented within the framework of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), which plays an important role in the fight against global climate change, are reminiscent of science fiction novels. CDR, a method of climate geoengineering that aims to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, includes various methods such as Direct Air Capture (DAC), Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), ocean fertilization and biochar. However, research shows that over-reliance on these very costly methods can lead to many environmental and socioeconomic problems.

A new study published in Nature Communications shows that large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects in Asia may have negative impacts on energy, water and land balances. The study, led by Jeffrey Dankwa Ampah and Haifeng Liu of Tianjin University, Haewon McJeon of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Humphrey Adun of Near East University, provides important information about the potential side effects of CDR applications.

Strict CDR practices can create new global problems!

The article highlights that over-reliance on CDR technologies may lead to delays in the fight against climate change, which defeats its purpose. In scenarios where CDR technologies are used very intensively, residual carbon dioxide emissions are expected to remain at 8 gigatons of carbon dioxide annually until 2050. This means that many Asian countries may be delayed in reaching their net-zero emissions target.

Another problem that the study warns about is land use and food security. High CDR applications may require the use of large areas of land. The researchers warn that this situation could lead to a reduction in agricultural land, thus jeopardizing food security. On the other hand, some CDR technologies, such as carbon capture and storage in bioenergy, require large amounts of water. The study emphasizes that this situation could exacerbate this problem in regions where water resources are already scarce.