The science is clear: in order to avoid a catastrophic future, we need to limit the average global warming to 2°C. This trajectory requires that we reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The net-zero emissions goal requires to complementary pathways.
First, we need to drastically reduce our emissions of CO2, and more largely of all greenhouse gases.
Then, we also need to remove excess CO2 already present in the atmosphere. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere, or carbon removal, is a mechanism present in nature, through carbons sinks.
“All analysed pathways limiting warming to 1.5°C [...] use Carbon Dioxyde Removal to some extent to neutralize emissions from sources for which no mitigation measures have been identified [...].”
IPCC Sixth Assessement Report