Why Direct Air Capture?

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is a targeted approach to addressing  historical emissions, those vast quantities of CO₂ that are already in the atmosphere and that are contributing to climate instability. As a technology, DAC holds immense promise in the fight against climate change.

Reducing Carbon Emissions
Is Not Enough

 

Tackling the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a two-prong approach:

1 – Reduce CO₂ emissions
2 – Remove the legacy CO₂ from the air

Although reducing carbon emissions and switching to renewable energy is an absolute necessity, it will not be enough. We need to remove the carbon dioxide that has already built up in the atmosphere since the beginning of industrialisation, and this is why Direct Air Capture stands out as an effective carbon removal option.

The Urgency of Carbon Reduction

The undeniable reality is that human activities, especially industrial processes, have drastically increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, a major contributor to the greenhouse effect, traps heat and raises global temperatures, leading to adverse impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.

At the moment, the carbon dioxide concentration in the air is around 422 parts per million (ppm). For the Earth to be at a safe level, this figure needs to get back down to at least 350ppm of CO₂, a level last seen in 1988. Even if we manage to achieve net-zero emissions, the legacy CO₂ will still need removing to bring us to the 350ppm level.

The Climate Clock

Our current weather predicting technology is not able to keep up with the rapid escalation of climate disasters in recent years. However, we do have one consistent source of data that provides us with an indication of the level of urgency we face regarding climate change.

Since 1958, the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, as part of the Scripps CO₂ Program, has been recording the level of CO₂ in the atmosphere and has been plotting it on the Keeling Curve.

This graph clearly demonstrates how human activity has affected the rise of CO₂ in our atmosphere and how we are fast approaching critical levels. It’s a real-time counter that shows us where we stand and serves as a wake-up call to anyone who might doubt the severity of our situation. This clock isn’t just about alarmism; it’s a tool for understanding our position in this crisis.

For a daily snapshot of the CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface temperature, see: CO₂ Daily

The Keeling Curve: Atmospheric CO₂ Concentrations

Measured at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii (Keeling Curve)

 

DAC’s Role in Carbon Dioxide Removal

Understanding Direct Air Capture

At its core, Direct Air Capture is a technological process designed to remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Unlike traditional carbon capture technologies that target emissions at their source (see Direct Air Capture vs Point Source), DAC offers a versatile and scalable solution by capturing CO₂ from ambient air. But why is this so important?

A recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlights the key role that DAC will have in limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial surface temperatures.

The IPCC report estimates that DAC will be required to remove up to 310 billion tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere between now and 2100 – a daunting amount. To tackle such a large amount of CO₂, DAC parks will have to be deployed at a large scale, and quickly.

For more, see Why Removing CO₂ from the Atmosphere is Urgent

Location Flexibility and Scalability of DAC

One of the key advantages of Direct Air Capture is its ability to function independently of emission sources. This means that businesses operating in diverse sectors can use DAC to offset their carbon footprint, irrespective of the nature of their operations. Whether manufacturing, technology, or any other industry, DAC provides a customisable solution to align with sustainability goals.

Moreover, the scalability of DAC sets it apart. As the demand for carbon offsetting grows, DAC can be expanded to capture larger volumes of carbon dioxide, ensuring that businesses can scale their environmental initiatives in tandem with their growth.

Meet Regulatory Requirement on Carbon Emissions: A Win-Win for Business and the Planet

Companies investing in DAC technology aren’t just reducing their environmental impact; they’re also gaining access to a valuable tool in the form of carbon credits. Carbon credits represent a quantifiable and tradable measure of the carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere through DAC.

For multinational corporations, these carbon credits not only demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility but also present a unique opportunity for positive brand positioning. At a time when consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, businesses that actively participate in carbon offsetting initiatives can differentiate themselves as leaders in the movement towards a greener future.

Final Thoughts: Moving from Talk to Action

When the effects of climate change arrive at our doorsteps, it becomes much harder to ignore. Floods, fires, and extreme weather are no longer future scenarios—they’re happening now.

People will demand solutions, and stopping emissions is only part of the answer. Direct Air Capture provides a way to address historical emissions and reduce the CO₂ that’s already causing damage.

It’s time for us to put these discussions into practice. With more investment, more innovation, and more action, DAC can become a major player in the fight against climate change. It’s not just about preventing more harm; it’s about actively repairing the damage already done.

 

 

Interested in NEG8 Carbon’s CO₂ capture technology?

Contact the NEG8 Carbon Team