2.3 Recognized Importance of Carbon Storage Durability

Restoring the climate requires the long-term removal of captured CO₂, as its high stability means that even after 1,000 years, 25% remains in the atmosphere. This longevity underscores the need to consider its greenhouse effect over extended timescales.

The longest-term approaches always involve some form of mineralization, whether in ocean sediments, ancient mines, or construction material.

Various approaches to carbon capture come with different time horizons and associated risks of reversal. Their utility in restoring the climate is however only measured in the number of years.