Microsoft's Innovative Approach to High-Quality Carbon Removal

• Sensors - Gas Sensors

Microsoft and Carbon Direct have been dedicated to the development of effective carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions since the release of the first Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal in 2021. The challenge they faced was addressing the quality issues in the voluntary carbon market and driving effective climate action. They aimed to develop a set of science-based benchmarks that could be used by the broader CDR community. The field of carbon removal is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest science and equity considerations is a significant challenge. Furthermore, the introduction of new carbon removal methods like enhanced rock weathering (ERW) added another layer of complexity to the situation.

The customer in this case is the broader Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) community. This community is made up of various stakeholders, including businesses, environmental organizations, and governments, who are all interested in effective and high-quality carbon removal solutions. They are looking for science-based benchmarks and criteria to guide their carbon removal efforts. The CDR community is also interested in the principles of environmental justice and wants to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon future is just and inclusive. They are keen on engaging with the community and are open to new and emerging carbon removal methods.

To address these challenges, Microsoft and Carbon Direct released the 2023 edition of the Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal. This document incorporates the latest science and equity considerations in the field. It advances the common definitions for high-quality CDR solutions outlined in their essential principles and introduces new criteria for emerging carbon removal methods like enhanced rock weathering (ERW). The document also expands on the principles of environmental justice for meaningful community engagement and a just transition to a low-carbon future. By doing so, they are not only addressing the quality issues in the carbon market but also ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon future is just and inclusive.

• The operational result of this initiative is the creation of a comprehensive and up-to-date guide for high-quality carbon removal. This guide is not only based on the latest science but also considers equity issues. It provides clear definitions and criteria for high-quality carbon removal, making it easier for the broader CDR community to implement effective carbon removal solutions. The guide also introduces new carbon removal methods, providing the CDR community with more options for their carbon removal efforts. Furthermore, by expanding on the principles of environmental justice, the guide ensures that the transition to a low-carbon future is just and inclusive, promoting meaningful community engagement.