Authors: Hugh Richards and Patrick Portolano
Date: March 25, 2022
Document: Working paper, 7 pages
This paper develops the concept of Geological Net Zero (GNZ) as a supply-side approach to addressing climate change.
The authors propose balancing fossil carbon extraction with an equivalent amount of secure carbon sequestration over geological timescales. The principle applies to oil, natural gas, coal and limestone used in cement production.
The paper examines the strengths and limitations of the Carbon Takeback Obligation (CTBO) and explores the possibility of integrating geological carbon sequestration into an international supply-side agreement.
It argues that combining responsibility for fossil carbon extraction with durable sequestration could help accelerate the global transition towards geological carbon neutrality.
Full paper: Download the original PDF (7 pages).