Australia must set targets for amount of CO2 to be removed from air, scientists say

A Chevron carbon dioxide injection facility in Western Australia. Scientists say CO2 removal is a ‘last resort’ compared to cutting emissions, but worth pursuing. Photograph: Chevron Australia

Australia should set targets for the amount of carbon dioxide that could be pulled permanently from the atmosphere using “carbon drawdown” techniques like tree planting and direct air capture, according to a report from the Australian Academy of Science.

A national coordinated approach is urgently needed to promote projects that remove carbon dioxide from the air, the report says, with a lack of policies seeing Australia fall behind other countries.