To reach a net zero carbon economy by 2050, the UK needs to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, since some sectors, such as aviation and agriculture, will struggle to cut their emissions to zero. This briefing looks at nature-based and engineered greenhouse gas removals (GGR), outlining the risks and benefits of each approach. It also considers what negative impacts are incurred when GGRs are deployed at scale. The briefing also highlights some recommendations for the use of GGRs to deliver net zero, which includes:

• Establishing an Office for Carbon Removal
• Setting separate targets for greenhouse gas reductions and removals
• Maximising the deployment of nature-based solutions
• Using only sustainable engineered options to deliver the remaining required removals