Investigating the biodiversity, social and sustainable development outcomes of achieving net-zero in the UK

This project explores the climatic, environmental and wider consequences of greenhouse gas removal (GGR) methods. GGR is expected to form an integral part in achieving a climatically sustainable future, and features prominently (sometimes at enormous scale) in domestic and international pathways that successfully reach ‘net-zero’ emissions. The diversity of different practices and relative lack of standardised research raises many questions about the sustainability of large-scale GGR deployment, however. Can we ensure that GGR methods do not compromise biodiversity conservation, food security and other sustainable development goals? How can we balance the removal efficiency suggested for ‘engineered’ approaches with the wider benefits for people and nature associated with ecosystem based carbon storage? To address these questions, we are developing refined and harmonised Life Cycle Assessment approaches, and contributing to the development of national carbon removal strategies. We employ environmental modelling and impact assessment, and work in collaboration with pilot programmes demonstrating greenhouse gas removal in practice.