The difference between carbon removal and carbon avoidance projects

Carbon reduction projects can be grouped into two main categories: carbon removal and carbon avoidance projects. They both can generate carbon credits (if certified) and are equally important in the fight against climate change.

This article will allow you to better understand the difference between the two and their specificities. Contact us for more information.

CARBON REMOVAL

Carbon removal projects can take place in two ways:

• Technological carbon removal: specialized technology extracting carbon from the atmosphere, such as Direct Air Capture (carbon is being removed from the atmosphere through chemical processes). For more effectiveness, carbon needs to be intercepted directly where it is released, often nearby industrial sites. You might also have heard of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS), which refers to the process of capturing CO₂  and either storing it permanently or converting it into valuable products (such as methanol).

• Natural carbon removal: enhancing the capacity of a forest to pull carbon out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis by preserving existing carbon sinks and creating new ones: reforestation and afforestation. Mangroves also have high carbon absorption capacities. Other projects include agricultural projects.

CARBON AVOIDANCE

There are five main project typologies that fall into the category of avoidance projects:

• Forestry and land use: These projects involve activities such as forest management planning, timber production, agroforestry practices, and land-use optimization.
  
  
• Renewable energy: Contributing to decarbonizing the local power grid through renewable power infrastructure and thus prevent GHG emissions released into the atmosphere. 
  
  
• Fuel-switching: Using a less carbon intensive energy source leading to lower carbon emissions.
  
  
• Household devices: Using efficient cookstoves which require less wood for daily cooking, and thus contribute to reducing deforestation. These project's benefits can include gender equality, health benefits, income generation, knowledge building, and environmental preservation.
  
  
• Waste Management: Rather than considering waste as the final step in the production process, these projects are actively utilizing waste to generate energy, minimize pollution, and mitigate carbon emissions.

Is it better to support carbon removal projects or carbon avoidance projects?

One should not be promoted at the expense of the other. They are both essential to achieve a net-zero future. However, it is certainly true that only supporting removal projects doesn’t address the initial problem of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere.

We need to reduce our emissions and find innovative ways to limit the damage already done. In addition existing carbon sinks need to be protected while new ones are created. 

At ClimateSeed, we offer both capture and avoidance projects in our portfolio. Our project team can support you in your short and long-term climate contribution strategy. Contact us for more information.