Wil Burns: Beyond Net Zero

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations,

Richard Delevan

elevan interviews Wil Burns, Co-Director of the Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal at American University. They delve into the critical role of carbon removal technologies, exploring their evolution from fringe concepts to mainstream climate strategy. The discussion covers the science, ethics, and policies essential for implementing these technologies responsibly.

Timestamps:

02:46 - Wil Burns discusses his journey into carbon removal research and the importance of addressing carbon removal alongside decarbonization.

05:19 - Urgency and Scale of Carbon Removal

• The necessity of large-scale carbon removal to meet Paris Agreement goals and the increasing urgency as emissions continue to rise.

07:08 - Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal

• Wil explains the mission of the institute and the significance of the term "responsible" in carbon removal practices.

10:05 - Criteria for Responsible Carbon Removal

• The importance of avoiding mitigation deterrence, ensuring real commitments, and focusing on equity and justice.

13:56 - Challenges in Carbon Removal Implementation

• Discussing storage issues, pipeline expansions, and resistance from various communities.

16:27 - Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Approaches

• The potential and challenges of ocean alkalinity enhancement and other ocean-based carbon removal methods.

22:50 - Voluntary Carbon Markets and Compliance

• The future of voluntary carbon markets, the need for compliance markets, and the challenges in establishing robust methodologies under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

29:31 - Geoengineering and Solar Radiation Modification

• The potential future conversations around geoengineering and solar radiation modification as climate impacts worsen.

Resources and Links:

• Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal

• Plan Sea Podcast

• Carbon 180

• Carbon Plan

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Credits:

• Written and edited by Richard Delevan

• Production assistance by Theo Delevan

• Music by First Aid Kit - "Silver Lining" (check out our playlist)