What does CDR actually mean? Felix Havermann explains “Carbon Dioxide Removal”
© Eric Rdg, Unsplash
What is CDR?
In the series “THE INTERPRETER – The scientific dictionary” by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Dr. Felix Havermann discusses the role of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in combating climate change.
CDR refers to processes that actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere – going beyond mere emission reductions. Natural methods use biological processes such as reforestation or soil-friendly agricultural practices to sequester carbon over the long term. Technical approaches like “Direct Air Capture and Storage” (DACCS), on the other hand, remove CO₂ from the air using engineered systems.
The development of CDR
Havermann explains how the concept of CO₂ removal first emerged in climate policy in the 1990s, which methods are available today, and what potential CDR holds for the future. However, he also emphasizes that CDR alone is not sufficient to stop climate change – it requires fundamental changes in our lifestyles and economic systems.
For more information, read the full article from LMU.