Carbon removal credits, also known as negative emissions credits or carbon removal offsets, are a type of credit that represents the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) or its equivalent from the atmosphere. Unlike carbon offset credits that focus on emissions reduction, carbon removal credits specifically address the removal or sequestration of CO2 to achieve a net reduction in greenhouse gas concentrations.

Here's an overview of carbon removal credits and how they work:

1. Carbon Removal Technologies: Carbon removal credits are associated with projects or technologies that actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Examples include direct air capture technologies, enhanced weathering, afforestation or reforestation initiatives, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. These activities aim to permanently remove CO2 or store it in long-term carbon sinks, such as forests or geological formations.

2. Verification and Certification: Similar to carbon offset credits, carbon removal projects must undergo a rigorous verification and certification process to ensure their effectiveness and transparency. Independent third-party organizations assess the project's adherence to standards and protocols, verifying the amount of carbon removed or sequestered. Upon verification, carbon removal credits are issued based on the quantity of CO2 removed.

3. Market Mechanisms: Carbon removal credits can be bought and sold in carbon markets or through voluntary carbon offset programs. Entities seeking to offset their own emissions or achieve negative emissions can purchase these credits to compensate for their carbon footprint. Including carbon removal as part of a diversified portfolio of climate solutions can help scale up these technologies and incentivize further investment in carbon removal projects.

4. Additionality and Permanence: Similar to carbon offset credits, carbon removal credits must demonstrate additionality, ensuring that the removal of CO2 would not have occurred without the incentives provided by the credit sales. Additionally, carbon removal projects need to address permanence issues, ensuring that the carbon dioxide removed or stored remains sequestered for a significant duration to avoid re-emission.

5. Climate Impact: Carbon removal credits play a crucial role in addressing climate change by actively reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. They offer a pathway to achieve negative emissions, balancing emissions that are particularly challenging to eliminate through reduction measures alone. By supporting carbon removal projects, entities can contribute to the long-term goal of stabilizing and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

As with carbon offset credits, the credibility and integrity of carbon removal credits are essential. Certifications and standards, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Gold Standard, ensure the credibility and quality of carbon removal projects, providing confidence in the effectiveness of carbon removal credits.