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Episode 22 - Carbon Dioxide Removal

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, hosts Dr. Paola Sáenz and Dr. Nadine Moustafa explore the evolving landscape of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) and their role in achieving climate goals. From engineered solutions like Direct Air Capture (DAC) to nature-based methods such as afforestation, the discussion dives deep into the technical, economic, and policy challenges of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Key takeaways from this episode include:

Carbon dioxide removal is essential to achieving net zero, alongside emissions reductions.
Engineered and nature-based solutions are complementary, not competing.
Carbon markets and pricing structures need to evolve for large-scale deployment.
Policy and public engagement play a crucial role in real-world implementation.
Global equity and access to NETs are critical for effective climate action.

Episode Overview

with timestamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the Energy Futures Podcast
[00:01:00] - Meet the hosts: Paola Sáenz & Nadine Moustafa
[00:02:16] - What is Carbon Removal (CDR)?
[00:03:02] - Nature-based vs. engineered solutions
[00:06:06] - Where should CDR solutions be deployed?
[00:08:42] - Carbon markets and pricing mechanisms
[00:12:53] - Climate change risks and cost dynamics
[00:16:50] - The role of policy in scaling carbon removal
[00:22:00] - Public perception and societal challenges
[00:24:06] - The impact of COP decisions on carbon markets
[00:30:48] - Carbon accounting and verification challenges
[00:33:12] - The balance between emissions reduction and removals
[00:37:22] - Hard-to-abate sectors and NET applications
[00:41:07] - Global perspectives and data gaps in CDR
[00:41:26] - Closing thoughts and where to find the speakers

Meet Our Guests

Dr. Paola Sáenz

Dr. Paola Sáenz is a Research Associate at Sightline Climate and Imperial College London and she specializes in Negative Emissions Technologies and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS).

Dr. Nadine Moustafa

Dr. Nadine Moustafa is a research associate in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London. She specialises in carbon management and decarbonisation strategies, integrating socio-economic and technical aspects to develop sustainable energy solutions. Nadine also serves as the Program and Policy Officer at the Coalition for Negative Emissions, advancing policies for carbon capture and removal technologies.

Related Resources

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Episode 22 - Carbon Dioxide Removal