What the study found
The paper argues that non-permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR), meaning carbon storage in sinks where the carbon is eventually released back into the atmosphere, can reduce mitigation costs even though it is not permanent. The authors also state that, unlike permanent removals, it does not reduce the optimal long-run temperature level.
Why the authors say this matters
The study suggests non-permanent CDR may function as a bridge technology until permanent CDR becomes available. The authors also conclude that its value should be assessed differently from the social cost of carbon, because emissions released later from non-permanent storage create a social cost of carbon removal.
What the researchers tested
The researchers developed a welfare and public economics perspective on optimal policies for carbon removal and storage in both permanent and non-permanent sinks. They discuss three policy regimes intended to ensure optimal deployment of non-permanent CDR, focusing on informational and institutional requirements for monitoring, liability, and financing.
What worked and what didn't
Non-permanent CDR is described as reducing mitigation costs. However, it does not reduce the optimal long-run temperature level, unlike permanent removals. The abstract also says that its valuation differs from the social cost of carbon because released emissions from non-permanent storage create damages.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide empirical results or a quantitative estimate of policy effects. It also does not describe which of the three policy regimes is preferred, only that they differ in their informational and institutional requirements.
Key points
- Non-permanent CDR can reduce mitigation costs.
- Unlike permanent removals, non-permanent CDR does not reduce the optimal long-run temperature level.
- The authors suggest non-permanent CDR may act as a bridge technology until permanent CDR is available.
- Its valuation differs from the social cost of carbon because later emissions from storage create damages.
- The paper discusses three policy regimes centered on monitoring, liability, and financing.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Non-permanent carbon removal can lower mitigation costs
- Authors:
- Max Franks, Friedemann Gruner, Matthias Kalkuhl, Kai Lessmann, Ottmar Edenhofer
- Institutions:
- Technische Universität Berlin, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, University of Potsdam
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-21
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by Schluesseldienst on Pixabay · Pixabay License
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