Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and how is it different from traditional offsets?
CDR pays to remove CO₂ already in the atmosphere and store it for the long term (hundreds to thousands of years). Traditional “offsets” often fund avoided emissions (e.g., financing a project that emits less than a baseline). Avoidance is useful, but it doesn’t neutralize your own emissions already released. If your goal is to balance your footprint, prioritize verified removals.
2) Why buy CDR now—shouldn’t we reduce first?
Yes. Cutting emissions is the first priority. But even with aggressive reductions, residual emissions remain, especially for emissions that you can not control yourself. To stop warming and eventually cool, we need both: deep decarbonization and durable removals. Buying CDR today also helps scale credible solutions, improves MRV, and lowers costs through learning.
3) How much CDR should I buy?
Pick the approach that fits your time and data.
Fast approach (good‑today):
Estimate last year’s footprint with a reputable calculator (household or company).
Buy CDR equal to that number for this year (optionally set up a monthly subscription).
Consider an uplift (+10–100%) to help grow early‑stage supply - invest into the future of CDR.
Thorough approach (measure‑and‑manage):
Quantify residuals after reductions (energy/heat, travel & freight, purchased goods/services).
Set a coverage target: buy 1 tonne of CDR per 1 tCO₂e of residuals.
Match delivery timing: prefer ex‑post (already delivered) or near‑term delivery, and check the vintage (see Q8).
Quick examples:
• Individual with 8 tCO₂e residuals → buy 8 t (or 10 t with a +25% uplift).
• SMB with 250 tCO₂e residuals → buy 250 t (or 275 t with +10%).
4) What makes a high‑quality CDR purchase?
Look for these non‑negotiables:
Removal, not avoidance. The project demonstrably pulls CO₂ from air.
Durability (permanence). Storage designed to last centuries or longer; clear management of reversal risk.
Robust MRV. Credible Monitoring, Reporting, Verification with transparent methods and uncertainty handling.
Independent certification. Issuance and retirement on a third‑party registry; no self‑certification.
Additionality. The removal depends on carbon revenue; it wouldn’t happen anyway.
No double counting. Unique serial numbers and public retirement records.
Transparency. Public methodologies, life‑cycle boundaries, and data access.
5) How “permanent” should removals be?
Aim for centuries‑scale storage where feasible (hundreds to thousands of years). Durability varies by pathway (e.g., geologic storage, mineralization, durable carbon materials vs. shorter‑lived biological stocks). Quality providers:
Specify the expected storage time and how they manage reversal risk (monitoring, warranties, buffer pools).
Align claims (e.g., “permanent” vs. “long‑lived”) with the actual storage mechanism and evidence.
6) What is MRV, and why does it matter?
MRV = Monitoring, Reporting, Verification.
Monitoring: How the project measures CO₂ removed and stored (instrumentation, sampling, models).
Reporting: Transparent documentation of methods, boundaries, uncertainty, and delivery status.
Verification: Independent third parties confirm that 1 credit = 1 tonne (within stated uncertainty).
Robust MRV is the backbone of integrity. Look for methods that are published, conservative, and updated as science improves.
7) Who should certify CDR? (And why not self‑certification?)
Certification must be independent to avoid conflicts of interest. Look for recognized programs and frameworks such as:
Isometric (removal‑only standard and registry).
Puro.earth (removal‑focused standard; e.g., biochar, carbonated materials).
Carbon Standards International (biochar and C‑sink standards; public registry).
Cascade Climate (science/MRV guidance and frameworks; not a crediting registry).
Vendors should not certify themselves; third‑party issuance and public registries enable traceability and prevent double counting.
8) What do “vintage” and “delivery timing” mean (ex‑ante vs ex‑post)?
Vintage: The year associated with the credit (often the year the removal occurred or the credit was issued—check the program’s definition).
Delivery timing:
Ex‑post: Removal already delivered—preferable for certainty.
Ex‑ante / forward: Future delivery—acceptable if you understand timelines, counterparty risk, and safeguards.
Tip: If you’re balancing this year’s footprint, choose removals with delivery and vintage that match your claim.
9) Why do CDR prices vary so much?
Prices reflect pathway, durability, MRV rigor, scale, and delivery timing. Early‑stage technologies (e.g., DAC with geologic storage) and very long‑duration storage often cost more today. As supply scales and learning accumulates, costs are expected to decline. Buying now helps the market mature while you balance your residuals.
10) How does the carbon‑removal.shop directory work, and how do you vet listings?
Our directory focuses on small‑sized, online CDR purchases that can be completed quickly—ideal for individuals and SMBs. We manage the entries manually and inclusion criteria emphasize:
True removals with clear durability claims.
Public MRV documentation and independent certification (no self‑certification).
Transparent pricing and immediate online checkout (no sales calls/emails required).
Traceable credits (serial numbers / registry retirements).
We maintain this list manually and update it as the market evolves. See Why buy CDR? and How to choose CDR for guidance, then browse the Shop Directory to purchase.
Still deciding? Start by reducing what you can, then buy durable, independently certified removals for what remains. If in doubt, choose ex‑post or near‑term delivery with transparent MRV and centuries‑scale storage—and document your claim clearly.
When you are done: talk about your actions to inspire others!