Thread by @mr_adrianxyz

If you ever wanted to acquire #carbonoffsets, you've surely faced the question of categorization. Here is an easy taxonomy 👇 🧵

1/ Two weeks ago I highlighted the difference between carbon emission reduction and removal projects.

The idea of #CarbonReduction is to pay others to reduce emissions in your place. But your output remains in the system. One plus zero.

2/ #CarbonRemoval on the other hand scrubs carbon directly from the atmosphere. Plus one, minus one.

But technically, the #carbonmarket makes no difference. A ton is a ton.

3/ Which is ridiculous, as "The Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting" shows with its taxonomy.

4/ 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

5/ Emissions reduction refers to substitution, e.g. the use of #RenewableEnergy to replace planned fossil fuel power plants or the destruction of #GHG before it enters the atmosphere.

Carbon capture is the removal of carbon from the air and its permanent storage.

6/ Either technologically (e.g., with #DirectAirCapture or #CarbonMineralization) or with natural sinks (e.g., #WetlandRestoration or #SeagrassCultivation).

7/ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱

If not, this is a clear sign of a classic emission reduction project (Type 1️⃣).

8/ 𝗜𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴

With reduction projects, carbon can be "stored" in the short term (Type 2️⃣) or long term (Type 3️⃣).

9/ 2️⃣ includes projects that avoid damage to natural ecosystems or modified agricultural practices that retain already stored carbon in the soil.

10/ 3️⃣ includes projects that require the physical storage of carbon, e.g., by installing carbon capture and storage (CCS) at industrial facilities or power plants.

Naturally, the same question applies to removal projects.

11/ Again, a distinction is made between short-lived, meaning decades (Type 4️⃣), and long-lived storage, meaning centuries to millennia (Type 5️⃣).

12/ 4️⃣ includes #Afforestation & #Reforestation, #SoilCarbonEnhancement, or #EcosystemRestoration projects.

13/ 5️⃣ includes bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (#BECCS), direct air capture with geologic storage (#DACCS), or mineralization projects.

14/ 𝗧𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗽

In terms of content and effort 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣ could not be more different. You can say that one is better than the other. Especially because only removal enables #netzero and long term is better than short term.

But all approaches have their justification.

15/ We need to empty the carbon pool and reduce the carbon inflow. As of today and in the future. And for that, we need different approaches.

But granted, it is not helpful that offset is used synonymously for all types of projects. Educational work must continue to be done.

16/ And I hope that I have been able to make a contribution 🌱 #refi @Senken_io