Net Zero or Net Reckless? What is the appropriate role for negative emissions technologies in meetin

The challenges associated with ramping up NETs are exacerbated by the fact that addressing the climate crisis requires the rapid development of other infrastructure, both to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, and this is likely to compete with NETs for labour, materials and other resources. [...] A recent study published in Nature Climate Change, for example, showed that the climate response to CO2 emissions and removals is actually “asymmetrical” – in other words, the climate response to CO2 emissions is not equal and opposite to CO2 removals of the same magnitude, due to the non- linear nature of the Earth system and carbon cycle feedbacks.52 Other studies have also demonstrated the need. [...] It is not a winning strategy for the climate.”58 In addition to the fundamental issue of whether the captured CO2 is permanently stored, another factor that impacts the overall emissions balance of an industrial CDR project is the energy required to run the technology (including any upstream and downstream power needs) – and the power source used. [...] The costs of NETs are considerable, and can amount to subsidies to industry if the public ends up paying for them, particularly if the technologies are then used in industries and processes that are not essential to the well-being of the public and/or where decarbonized alternatives exist. [...] Also problematic is the fact that the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change opens the door for the use of NETs and other offsets, but, contrary to Principle #3, does not indicate that the environmental, social, cultural and other impacts associated with those NETs/offsets should be assessed as part of the review of these projects.