Germany faces a critical juncture in its climate ambitions, requiring a dramatic escalation of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, according to a comprehensive new study. The interdisciplinary project, CDRterra, involving over 100 scientists across ten research consortia, concludes that current emissions reduction strategies alone are insufficient and necessitate aggressive, large-scale CDR implementation.
The report highlights the urgent need to remove up to 80 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually from the atmosphere by 2045, a figure dwarfing current German efforts. While established methods like reforestation and agroforestry, alongside innovative “carbon farming” techniques such as cover cropping, offer short-term gains, the study emphasizes that their impact is limited without substantial, transformative changes. Large-scale reforestation, for example, could measurably slow climate change, but global efforts must be doubled by 2050 to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
However, achieving such ambitious goals presents significant challenges. The intensification of CDR activities is predicted to exacerbate competition for land resources within Germany. Moreover, existing legal and structural barriers complicate the process. Current regulations, for instance, often prohibit the conversion of grasslands into forests, while farmers frequently lack the necessary expertise or long-term security to adopt carbon-sequestering practices.
Beyond refining existing approaches, CDRterra researchers are exploring novel technologies. These include artificial photosynthesis, which uses solar energy to convert CO2 into carbon flakes-a potentially more efficient alternative to natural processes-and the development of innovative building materials utilizing gabbro, biochar and bio-based carbon fibers to sequester carbon. These emerging solutions, while promising, require further development and investment.
The study underscores that achieving climate neutrality necessitates a fundamental overhaul of land use and agricultural policies, alongside the establishment of appropriate infrastructure and supportive political frameworks. Crucially, this transition must be undertaken in close dialogue with the public, acknowledging that successful implementation will require addressing multifaceted ecological and societal considerations. It also calls for a strategic approach to CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, recognizing the inherent technical complexities of large-scale removal. Failing to address these practical and political hurdles risks jeopardizing Germany’s commitment to a sustainable future.