A recent study involving Near East University researcher Humphrey Adun highlights the potential dangers of over-reliance on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, which are increasingly being used to combat global climate change. Published in Nature Communications, the study, conducted by researchers from Tianjin University, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Near East University, reveals that while CDR methods like direct air capture (DAC), bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and ocean fertilization offer innovative solutions, their large-scale implementation could lead to significant environmental and socio-economic problems.

The study warns that heavy dependence on CDR technologies could delay efforts to combat climate change. In scenarios of intensive CDR application, residual carbon dioxide emissions could persist at 8 gigatons per year until 2050, hindering the achievement of net-zero targets in many Asian countries. Additionally, the research points out that large-scale CDR projects could strain land and water resources, potentially threatening food security by reducing agricultural land and exacerbating water scarcity in already vulnerable regions.

The authors caution that while CDR technologies are vital in the fight against climate change, they should be applied cautiously to avoid creating new global challenges.

More Information: https://neu.edu.tr/a-study-published-in-nature-by-researchers-from-near-east-university-korea-advanced-institute-of-science-and-technology-and-tianjin-university-brings-a-new-approach-to-reducing-carbon-emissions/?lang=en