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Negative emissions technologies and practices could challenge global resource supply and environmental limits

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Meeting climate goals will most likely require large-scale carbon dioxide removal, yet its sustainability implications remain poorly understood. Here, we conduct a prospective life cycle assessment of multiple negative emissions technologies and practices, integrating mineral resource, health, and absolute sustainability indicators to quantify impacts between 2030 and 2050. Our comprehensive analysis reveals previously overlooked bottlenecks: biochar and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage could sharply raise nutrient demand, further compromising food security, while direct air carbon capture and storage and ocean liming could critically exacerbate the mining levels of key mineral resources, despite their lower collateral damage. These findings will help guide the sustainable and safe expansion of the carbon dioxide removal industry by balancing multiple risks, thereby minimizing unintended environmental and resource-related consequences.

Source: Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich)

DOI: 10.3929/ethz-c-000799406

Authors: Cobo Gutiérrez, Selene, Galán Martín, Ángel, Guillén Gosálbez, Gonzalo

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7157618746

FWCI:

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