Mailbag episode! Interest rates, carbon dioxide removal, and more | Catalyst with Shayle Kann

Tech Uncertainty

The landscape of carbon dioxide removal is marked by a plethora of methods, each vying for prominence. Shayle Kann describes this as a "Cambrian explosion" of techniques, ranging from direct air capture to ocean-based solutions, all lacking a definitive frontrunner 1. He emphasizes the need for a solution that is cheap, scalable, durable, and verifiable, yet acknowledges that every current method struggles with at least one of these criteria 1. Sarah Golden adds that the complexity lies in not knowing what's wrong until the right solution emerges, which may involve multiple technologies 2.

   

Measurement

Innovations in carbon measurement are crucial for building trust in carbon removal technologies. Shayle highlights the challenge of verifying nature-based solutions, which are cheaper but harder to measure, compared to engineered solutions that are more expensive but easier to verify 3. He mentions advancements like soil carbon measurement techniques and isotopic markers for mineralization, which are promising but still in development 3. Sarah points out the importance of scalable verification methods, noting that current practices, such as those involving teams of PhDs for verification, are not feasible for market expansion 2.