Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology may not be a scalable and cost-effective solution for carbon removal.
Regenerative agriculture and other natural carbon sequestration methods hold more promise in terms of feasibility and impact.
Deep dives
Regenerative Agriculture and its Importance in Restoring Soil Health
Regenerative agriculture is crucial for restoring soil health by focusing on practices such as maintaining soil cover, having live roots in the soil, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals like herbicides and pesticides. This approach aims to bring back life to the soil, improving plant health, water retention, and overall ecosystem functioning.
The Need to Expand Climate Goals Beyond Net Zero and Decarbonization
Current climate goals such as net zero emissions and decarbonization are threshold goals rather than comprehensive solutions. Instead, the focus should be on the broader goal of reversing global warming and regenerating the biosphere. This shift in mindset can help address the underlying causes of climate change and facilitate a more expansive and holistic approach to tackling the crisis.
The Limitations of Direct Air Capture Technology
Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, which aims to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, faces challenges in terms of scalability and cost-effectiveness. The lack of Moore's Law-type exponential progress in DAC hinders its potential to become a widespread and viable solution for carbon removal. Other natural carbon sequestration methods, such as regenerative agriculture and enhanced weathering, offer more promise in terms of feasibility and impact.
Embracing a Practice-based Approach to Carbon Sequestration
Instead of solely focusing on engineered carbon removal solutions, it is essential to embrace a practice-based approach to carbon sequestration. Practices like regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and using natural materials like Inventwood can have a significant impact on carbon sequestration while also improving the health of ecosystems. By prioritizing the adoption of these practices and supporting farmers and other stakeholders in implementing them, we can work towards a more sustainable and regenerative future.
In this week’s episode, the name of the goal is not ‘net zero’, it’s regeneration. We’re joined by Paul Hawken: author of many books including Drawdown and Regeneration, activist, and entrepreneur to talk about the tools that he believes can end the climate crisis.
Paul takes us through the concept of "carbon tunnel syndrome," an overemphasis on carbon as a mere numerical figure, often favored by the tech industry. He also sheds light on the staggering statistic that less than 1% of the global population actively works on climate solutions. He also is quite skeptical that direct air capture will ever make energetic sense.
Throughout history, the climate movement has urged individuals to focus on future existential threats. However, Paul highlights a stark reality: over five billion people wake up every day preoccupied with current existential threats.
This episode serves as a stark reflection on the array of solutions within our grasp. It underscores the urgency of prioritizing Earth's regeneration and explores the intricate relationship between carbon removal and the broader climate solution landscape. Join us in this candid conversation about addressing the climate crisis head-on, and be sure to check out Paul’s new book Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation.
