How Local Governments Can Drive Carbon Dioxide Removal Innovation. Together

"All pathways that limit global warming to 1.5°C . . . project the use of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). . . over the 21st century." - UN IPCC, Global Warming of 1.5C, 2018.

In order to prevent global temperature increases that threaten runaway climate change, stopping greenhouse emissions is no longer enough. In the coming decades we must also remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere on a massive scale. Many emerging solutions have the potential to fill this need, but they must mature and scale rapidly over the next decade to have any chance of success.

What role can our cities, counties and other local governments play in accelerating progress on this essential new front of the climate emergency?

For years local governments have been far ahead of states and the federal government in implementing serious emissions targets and creative policies in support of real climate solutions. This leadership can and must extend to Carbon Dioxide Removal. The City of Flagstaff, AZ and Boulder County, CO are ready to show the world what that can look like, and invite their peers in local government to join them in exploring this opportunity as collaborators.

Program

• Overview: Carbon dioxide removal science and technology, and why carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is now a critical front in the climate emergency. Stephanie Arcusa, PhD. Research Fellow, Arizona State University
• Presentation: How local governments can spur CDR progress through coalition-based action. Susie Strife, Director of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience, Boulder County; Ramon Alatorre, Climate and Energy Coordinator, City of Flagstaff.
• Discussion / Question & Answers - with Colorado State Representative Tracey Bernett and Jane Zelikova, PhD, and Moderated by Christopher Neidl, OpenAir.

Further Reading / Watching

- Removing Carbon From the Atmosphere Must be Part of Climate Change Policy - Essay. Evvan Morton, et al. April 2021

- The CDR Primer, 2021

- Flagstaff Sustainability Director Carbon Dioxide Removal presentation to the Flagstaff City Council, May 2021.