Why we need carbon removals
Net Zero is Impossible Without Removals
The planet is warming fast.
To stabilize global temperatures, we must reduce net CO₂ emissions to zero. This can be done by avoiding emissions, but also by removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it.
According to the IPCC, we need to remove 10 billion tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere by 2050 to keep global warming in check.
That’s a massive challenge, but also an opportunity.
Carbon removals lower atmospheric carbon dioxide by capturing and storing it through natural solutions like forests and soils or technologies such as biochar. They’re essential for addressing residual emissions and advancing climate action.
Scaling these solutions can’t wait. Act now to drive the sustainable future we need.
Our Carbon Removal Experts
Lia Flury
Head of Technical Removal Solutions
Nino Berta
Senior Advisor Technical Removal Solutions
Marisa Kunze
Head of Nature-Based Solutions
Certified Impact You Can Trust
Our carbon removal projects' impact is measurable and independently audited. Every project meets the highest standards, certified by internationally recognized carbon programs.
Find the right investment model for your climate goals.
Spot Purchase
One-off transaction
at the daily rate
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Large selection of projects
No direct influence
Ideal for companies with a short-term need for carbon removal credits.
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) projects hold tremendous potential for global climate protection. However, many of the available methods—especially in the area of technological solutions—are still in the early stages of development. These approaches require targeted investment to scale and unlock their full potential.
First Climate offers a wide range of options to support project-based climate action measures – from long-term project funding, forward contracts and partnering on early-stage projects to the exclusive development of your own climate project.
Forward Purchase
Purchase agreement
with payment on delivery
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o
Large selection of projects
No direct influence
Ideal for companies that want to implement their planned climate strategy and secure prices early.
Advance Payment
Payment in advance (pre-issuance and delivery) for long-term project funding
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Enables a project's further development
Credit delivery at a later date
Ideal for impact-oriented companies that want to actively support a climate project and contractually secure credits.
Flexibility &
Influence
Equity Stake
Financial share
in climate project
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Facilitates a project's realization
More influence in the project's decision-making process
Ideal for strategic investors, that want to be financially and actively involved in a climate project's development.
Early-Stage Investment
Investment in a climate project
in its development phase
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Facilitates the realization of projects
Highest level of decision-making influence
Long-term commitment to the project
Ideal for trailblazers and first movers that want to invest early in innovation projects and deliver maximum impact.
What is CDR exactly?
The Solutions Behind Carbon Removals
The terms “Carbon Removals” or “Carbon Dioxide Removals” (CDR) serve as umbrella terms for various climate protection methods and approaches. Unlike emission reduction projects, which aim to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, CDR projects actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it long-term in the form of carbon.
Types of CDR Projects
CDR projects are generally divided into two categories:
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Nature-based solutions (e.g., soil carbon, reforestation, blue carbon)
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Technological solutions (e.g., biochar)
CDR Project Examples
Nature-Based Carbon Removals
Blue Carbon
Blue carbon projects focus on conserving, restoring, or sustainably managing coastal and marine ecosystems—such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes—that capture and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide. These initiatives not only mitigate climate change but also provide co-benefits like biodiversity preservation, coastal protection, and support for local livelihoods.
Solutions for investors, companies, and project developers
More than Emissions Reductions –
Net Zero Needs Carbon Removals.
The Science Based Targets Initaitve (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard sets a clear path:
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Reduce emissions by 90%
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Remove the rest with durable carbon removals
For beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM), the SBTi advises investing in high-quality removals and avoidance solutions to drive measurable, real-world impact.
Long-term SBT: by 2050 at the latest
Short-term SBT: 5-10 years
Corporate emissions (tons CO2eq)
1.5° aligned emissions pathway
Abatement within the value chain
Removals
Reductions or removals beyond
a company’s value chain
Net Zero
Net Zero is a commitment.
Ready to take the next step?
More Benefits of Carbon Removals
Strategic and Business Benefits
Investing in carbon removals helps companies meet climate goals, stay ahead of evolving regulations, diversify sustainability portfolio and lead on climate action. It also boosts investor confidence and taps into a fast-growing market with long-term growth potential.
A Tool to Achieve Science-Based Targets
The SBTi Net Zero Standard requires neutralizing residual emissions with permanent removals. Investing now puts your business ahead, meeting investor, employee, and customer expectations before the competition does.
Impact That Counts
Carbon removals power global climate solutions and help safeguard the planet’s ecosystems for future generations. By supporting these projects, companies also uplift local communities and create lasting, positive impact worldwide.
Secure New Business Opportunities
More companies are racing toward net zero, but permanent carbon removals are scarce—less than 10% of credits qualify. With the industry set to surpass $1 trillion by 2050, now’s the time to build business models that lead the future.
