With atmospheric CO2 now at its highest level in human history, experts say that removing existing emissions is just as critical as preventing new ones

The scientific consensus is clear: human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, is accelerating global warming and triggering climate disruptions.

In 2024, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere reached 427 parts per million (ppm), representing 3,341 gigatonnes of CO2. This is an increase of 50 per cent since the start of the Industrial Revolution, up from 280 ppm during the 10,000 years before the mid-18th century.

Mitigating new emissions alone will not take us to net zero, according to the IPCC. Fortunately, modern technology offers powerful solutions to remove accumulated atmospheric carbon dioxide while transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources.

Two key technological pathways to climate recovery

1. Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere


Direct air capture (DAC): DAC technology targets and extracts CO2 from ambient air through chemical and physical processes, storing it securely or repurposing it. Alberta has invested in the world’s first DAC centre.



Reforestation: Trees are nature’s original carbon capture system through photosynthesis. Large-scale reforestation efforts, aided by drone technology, offer scalable solutions to sequester carbon. Drones can rapidly sow thousands of seeds per day, covering vast areas. The pace of reforestation is increased, and previously inaccessible areas can be reached. Zen Green, an organization focused on promoting sustainable living practices, has a video on the use of drones in accelerating tree planting.



Additional innovative CO2-removal approaches include:




Biochar: A carbon-rich material derived from organic matter such as wood, crop residues and manure, using the pyrolysis method, and sequestered in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years.



Enhanced rock weathering: Accelerates the natural rock weathering process that removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores it in a stable form for thousands of years.



Direct ocean capture (DOC): Removal of dissolved carbon dioxide from seawater using electrochemical processes. Treated seawater is returned to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere. Oceans hold 150 times more CO2 than the atmosphere.




2. Shifting to renewable energy sources

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables is essential. Renewable energy derived from sources like sunlight, wind and water is replenished naturally and does not emit greenhouse gases. Technologies now harness, deliver and store energy from these resources efficiently.

Key renewable sources include:


Solar power



Wind energy



Hydroelectric power



Tidal and wave energy



Biomass and biofuels



Hydrogen gas


Along with technology, individuals play a vital role. Lifestyle changes such as minimizing waste, eating less red meat, avoiding single-use plastics, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for electric or hybrid vehicles can collectively decrease emissions. Homeowners and organizations may consider sustainable heating options like geothermal or air-source heat pumps.

The bottom line: The climate crisis is reversible. With the right blend of technology, policy and public action, there is a real path forward. Harnessing innovation to capture CO2 and relying on nature and renewables offers hope for a sustainable future.

Kelly R. Pearce

Kelly Pearce is a founding member of Greys for Green in New Tecumseth. He believes that we all have a role to play in reducing our carbon footprint in order to leave a better planet for future generations and all lifeforms that live on this Earth. Contact Greys for Green at [email protected] or follow on social media.