Definition 1
GHG Removals means the total amount of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) (measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e)) withdrawn from the atmosphere over [a period of time] [by legal entity].
Drafting notes and guidance
GHG removals have the same impact on atmospheric concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere as GHG emissions reductions. An emission of CO2 perturbs the atmosphere for millennia and therefore, in order for a removal of CO2 to compensate for the emission of CO2, the removed CO2 needs to be stored out of the atmosphere for an equivalent length of time. Removals of CO2 with temporary storage have value, for example, for reducing peak emissions if the release of the stored CO2 occurs after the peak, but are not equivalent to permanent mitigation.
GHG removals can be achieved through nature-based and technology-based approaches. Examples include:
- forest management (afforestation and reforestation);
- restoration and management of wetlands;
- soil carbon enhancement;
- bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS);
- direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS)
- mineralisation; and
- enhanced weathering.
If parties want to specify the technologies, practices or processes to be adopted to achieve the GHG removals, they can include an additional definition ‘GHG Removal Techniques’.