Why buy CDR?

Cut emissions fast — and actively remove what’s left.

Deep decarbonization is non‑negotiable, but even in a fully decarbonized world some emissions remain. To stop warming and eventually cool the planet, we must also remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it securely — that’s carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The IPCC is clear: CDR is required alongside rapid emissions cuts to reach and sustain net‑zero. IPCC

Why now?

We are already in a climate crisis and recent years set new temperature records. Building a reliable CDR industry takes time, and credible pathways show the world will need several gigatons of removals every year after deep decarbonization. Starting today accelerates learning, drives costs down, and builds the capacity we’ll need later. Carbon Drawdown Initiative

Removal is different from “offsetting.”

Traditional offsets often pay to avoid future emissions. CDR pays to remove CO₂ already in the air and store it for the long term. If you want to neutralize your own emissions (or if you at least want to help the industry to evolve in the first place), prioritize verified removal rather than avoidance. isometric.com

CDR complements — never replaces — reductions.

Buying removals is not a substitute for reducing your footprint. Think of CDR as the second step: you decarbonize first; then you balance the residual that is genuinely hard to abate. IPCC

How much CDR should I buy?

There are two practical approaches. Pick the one that fits your situation and time.

A) “Good‑today” estimate (fast):

  1. Use a reputable footprint tool to estimate last year’s emissions (scope: household or company).
    – Example: the Doconomy × UNFCCC Lifestyle Calculator.

  2. Buy CDR equal to that number for this year (or set up a monthly subscription).

  3. Optional: add a contribution uplift (e.g., +10–100%) to help grow early‑stage CDR supply — many buyers choose to do this to accelerate market maturation.

B) “Measure‑and‑manage” (thorough):

  1. List activities for the last 12 months (energy, heat, travel & freight, purchased goods/services).

  2. Multiply each by an appropriate emissions factor from your national inventory or sector guide; sum to get your residual emissions after reductions.

  3. Set your coverage target:

    • Neutralize this year’s residuals: buy tonnes of CDR = residual tCO₂e.

    • Go beyond neutral: add an uplift (for early‑market support or to address legacy emissions).

  4. Match delivery timing: Prefer credits with near‑term delivery (the year of removal) and check the vintage — the year the removal actually occurred or was issued, depending on the standard. ACRICVCM

If you can’t afford to offset you whole footprint, start smaller - you will still help the industry to grow!

Bottom line: Reduce what you can; remove what you can’t; prefer verified, durable removal with clear delivery timing.

For the science background we follow on this page, see our “Why” overview.