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Atmospheric Methane Removal: Development of a Research Agenda

Recently completed

A committee-supported project or activity that has been completed and for which output dissemination has begun. Its committee has been disbanded and closeout procedures are underway.

Topics

This study will consider the need and viable options for atmospheric methane removal--one category of "negative emissions technologies" currently being explored as part of efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The committee will examine opportunities, risks, and co-benefits of different atmospheric methane removal approaches and make recommendations for new research that would improve understanding of these technologies and their implications.

About Publications/Resources Past Events

Description

The National Academies will examine the need for atmospheric methane removal, assess the potential, risks, and co-benefits of viable technological options, and recommend research that could improve understanding. The following topics will be addressed:

  • Why might atmospheric methane removal be needed? What specific situations/scenarios might call for deployment of methane removal?
  • What are viable options for atmospheric methane removal? To the extent possible, assess how much methane could be removed from the atmosphere for each option, as well as the cost of deployment, technological efficiency, scale potential, potential risks, and key uncertainties and challenges.
  • What potential tradeoffs, co-benefits, and unintended consequences should be considered in developing atmospheric methane removal approaches? What are potential social barriers associated with atmospheric methane removal?
  • What new research is needed to improve understanding of atmospheric methane removal?

Collaborators

Committee

Chair

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Rachel Silvern

Staff Officer

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Committee Membership Roster Comments

Desirée Plata resigned from the committee on August 8, 2023.
Simon Pang and Margaret Wooldridge were appointed to the committee on September 6, 2023.

Sponsors

ClimateWorks

Staff

Brent Heard

Lead

Anne Manville

Lindsay Moller

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