A new paper published in the Frontiers Sustainability Journals suggests new ‘golden’ rules for communicating the subject of carbon removal to the public.
Although the carbon removal space has been rapidly developing and expanding, particularly in recent years, most of the general population remains unaware of the practice of removing CO2 emissions from the atmosphere.
One of the main reasons for this fact is the lack of communication on the matter, and researchers Rob Bellamy and Kaitlin T. Raimi took it upon themselves to offer four guidelines that will help communicate carbon removal effectively.
Relevant: Top 10 Ocean Carbon Removal Companies In 2023
Rule 1: Analogies
The use of analogies is very important to quickly and easily get the point across, especially since the subject of carbon dioxide removal or CDR is largely unfamiliar to people. An example of analogies that those in the sector have already grown somewhat accustomed to include the giant vacuum cleaners that suck CO2 from the air.
Rule 1. Use analogies, but be clear on how they differ. Analogies can help people understand unfamiliar things, but can imply things that don’t apply in the new example
— Rob Bellamy (@DrRobBellamy) July 10, 2023
FYI, this is my new, patented ‘giant fan’ DACC design – hands off
3/6 pic.twitter.com/aGPAFSMy4A
Rule 2: Avoid the term ‘nature-based’
The term ‘nature-based’, when used to refer to carbon removal methods, can be misleading. It also creates a divide between so-called nature-based or natural CDR methods and technological ones, which creates barriers to public acceptance.
Rule 3: Reductions come first
Although carbon removal is undoubtedly a necessary climate solution, humanity stands no chance of achieving net-zero emissions without also limiting the amount of emissions it releases into the atmosphere. Hence, removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere should not be framed as an excuse to continue emitting CO2 as before but should rather be seen as a compliment to emissions reduction efforts.
Rule 4: Implementation
Carbon removal is more than just its technical aspects and communicating that should be a priority. The industry is a complex mix of people, policies, institutions, procedures and more – all of which are important parts of the implementation of CDR that are very often missed and can mean all the difference in receiving public support.
Read more: UK ETS Expanded To Include More Sectors, Carbon Removals Added To The Scheme
