Negative emissions technologies and practices could challenge global resource supply and environmental limits

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-026-03348-8

Authors: Selene Cobo, Ángel Galán-Martín & Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez 

07 March 2026

Abstract

Meeting climate goals will most likely require large-scale carbon dioxide removal, yet its sustainability implications remain poorly understood. Here, we conduct a prospective life cycle assessment of multiple negative emissions technologies and practices, integrating mineral resource, health, and absolute sustainability indicators to quantify impacts between 2030 and 2050. Our comprehensive analysis reveals previously overlooked bottlenecks: biochar and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage could sharply raise nutrient demand, further compromising food security, while direct air carbon capture and storage and ocean liming could critically exacerbate the mining levels of key mineral resources, despite their lower collateral damage. These findings will help guide the sustainable and safe expansion of the carbon dioxide removal industry by balancing multiple risks, thereby minimizing unintended environmental and resource-related consequences.

Source: Communications Earth & Environment