EU wants to legitimize tech that removes CO2 from atmosphere

The European Union (EU) has taken a pioneering step toward endorsing carbon removal technologies that extract CO2 from the atmosphere and have reached a provisional agreement to establish a first-of-its-kind certification process for these technologies.

The move comes as the EU aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The certification framework is intended to ensure the effectiveness and environmental integrity of carbon removal projects, by setting clear rules and standards.

Certification could prevent ineffective or harmful projects from undermining EU efforts to combat climate change.

The agreement awaits formal adoption by the European Council and European Parliament.