Demystifying Biomass-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal: A Roadmap for Sustainable Biomass Sourcing
As the global transition to a net-zero future accelerates, biomass-based carbon dioxide removal (biomass-CDR) is emerging as a pivotal removal pathway in the fight against climate change. Biomass-CDR leverages nature's carbon capture system — photosynthesis — to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. However, with growing competition for biomass in sectors like bioenergy and materials, it is critical to ensure that biomass used for carbon removal does not compete with higher-value applications, which could lead to unintended environmental and social impacts.
Understanding Biomass Sources and Their Role in CDR
Biomass comes from various sources, including agricultural residues like straw, husks, and livestock manure, as well as forestry by-products such as wood chips and bark. Biomass is increasingly recognised as a renewable resource that can be sustainably managed to help mitigate climate change. However, the challenge lies in balancing its use for CDR against its applications in energy generation, materials, and food production.