Nature-Based Carbon Removal: The Future Starts Here

From carbon removal breakthroughs to tree-powered impact—here’s everything you needed to know!

Oct 08, 2024

Hey Climate North fam! 🌎💚

On October 1st, we hosted one of our best events yet—Nature-Based Carbon Removal Solutions—and it delivered big time! 🎉 The night was extra special as it marked the first event led by our amazing new team member, Sarah Clayton, who absolutely crushed it! 👏💥

With the room buzzing, we tackled key questions: How do policy and innovation combine to remove carbon? What role can reforestation and biochar play? Our speakers—Na’im Merchant, James Henry, and Nicole Wachtel—shared real-world solutions that enlightened everyone and left us ready for action. 💡

To those who joined, thanks for making it a night to remember. And if you missed it, don’t worry—here’s your chance to catch up on the highlights. Let’s dive in!

♞ CARBON CRUSADERS

Leading Canada's Charge on Carbon Removal

Did you know? Canada needs to remove 300 megatonnes of carbon by 2050—that’s the equivalent of removing millions of cars off the road! 🚗🌍

Our first speaker of the evening, Na'im Merchant, Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada, got straight to the point: cutting emissions is crucial, but we also need to remove the carbon we’ve already put out there. And guess what? Canada is in a prime spot to lead the charge with its natural resources and cutting-edge innovation.

Why It Matters: By 2050, carbon removal could create 332,000 jobs and pump $143 billion into Canada’s economy. Na’im made it clear: we need to scale up fast if we’re going to hit the goal of removing 5 megatonnes of CO2 annually by 2030. Think biochar, direct air capture, and ocean carbon sequestration—it’s all happening here.

The takeaway? We’ve got the tools, the talent, and the urgency. Now’s the time to crank things up! 🌱

3 ways you can keep up with the rapidly evolving Carbon Removal sector in Canada:

Signup for Carbon Removal Canada’s newsletter
Download the CRC’s Research Report
Download the Report’s Key Findings

🌳 TECH MEETS TREES

Biochar & Big Tech: A Power Duo

Did you know? Biochar can trap carbon for hundreds to thousands of years, all while making soil healthier. 🌳💪

James Henry, Director of Growth & Sustainability at MyHEAT, took us on comprehensive exploration of the power of biochar and how tech is stepping up in carbon removal. Using pyrolysis (fancy word for high-heat, low-oxygen burning), biochar can lock in 3.9 tonnes of CO2 per ton produced. Plus, with James’ background at Google, we learned how big tech companies are leading the charge by buying removal credits and fueling innovation.

Why It Matters: Biochar isn’t just a carbon sponge—it improves soil, boosts water retention, and helps plants thrive. 🌱 And with 10.3 million tonnes of CO2 removal credits sold by 2024, this field is heating up fast. James showed how companies like Microsoft, Shopify, BCG, and Alphabet are already backing carbon removal, proving that tech and nature are teaming up in a big way to fight climate change.

James left us buzzing: Carbon removal isn’t just the future—it’s happening right now, and tech’s playing a huge role in making it happen.

Interested in digging deeper into the subject? Here’s James’ recommended reading:

James’ presentation at Climate North
James’ thesis Expanding Circular Bioeconomy and Carbon Sequestration in British Columbia
CDRPrimer.org
Carbon Footprint of Everything: Mike Berners Lee
The Ministry for the Future: Kim Stanley Robinson
Burn: Using Fire to Cool the Earth: Kathleen Draper
The Biochar Handbook: Kelpie Wilson
Eat Like A Fish: Bren Smith

🌴🌴 FOREST POWER

Carbon Cuts and Farmer Wins

Did you know? 25 million trees and counting have been planted through Taking Root’s reforestation programs, pulling 4.3 million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere! 🌳🌍

Nicole Wachtel closed out the evening on the perfect note, bringing it all back to what really matters: people. Her talk reminded us that the fight against climate change starts with communities, especially farmers. Through Taking Root’s model, smallholder farmers grow trees and earn money by removing carbon. With $33 million+ already going straight into farmers' pockets, it’s clear this solution doesn’t just cut carbon—it transforms lives.

Why It Matters: The world’s 500 million family farmers are key to reforesting our planet. Nicole walked us through how Taking Root’s CommuniTree Carbon Program in Nicaragua gives farmers the tools to regenerate their land, create sustainable income, and make serious carbon cuts. And thanks to their tech platform, it’s all done at scale, with carbon credits that are legit and benefit everyone involved.

Nicole wrapped up with a powerful reminder: climate action isn’t just about tech fixes—it’s about empowering communities, supporting livelihoods, and making real-world impact. And that’s exactly how we win.

To learn more about Taking Root’s work, refer to Nicole’s presentation for Climate North or reach out to her at nicole[at]takingroot.com.

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsor: Project Spaces!

A huge shout-out to Project Spaces, the ultimate home for Toronto’s founders, freelancers, and hustlers! 💼🌟 Their open-concept coworking spaces aren’t just about getting work done—they’re about building a community of doers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who support each other every step of the way. From Wi-Fi and foosball to the friendliest faces in town, Project Spaces is where amazing ideas (and businesses) come to life.

Thanks for being such an awesome partner in helping us bring this event to life and supporting climate action in our community. Together, we’re turning big ideas into bigger impact! 💚

Mark You Calendars!

MaRS Climate Impact is bringing together the world’s foremost tech and finance leaders to speed up the adoption of climate solutions. And we’re going to be there to soak in everything about climate policy, cutting-edge cleantech, and investment strategies.

When is it ?: December 3 & 4, 2024

Where is it ?: The MaRS Centre Auditorium, Atrium and Collaboration Centre: 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario.

15% Discount code for Climate North subscribers: Climatecommunity2024

📸 RELIVE THE NIGHT

Check out all the great moments from our event in the photo album here—you might just spot yourself in action! 😄

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🌿 Thanks for growing the future with us! Together, we’re tackling carbon, supporting communities, and making real climate impact—one action at a time. See you at the next event!

The Climate North team – Chloe D'Agostini, Rebeka (Becky) Romanovsky, Fab Barrillot.
Written by Tejas Shah. Supported by Julian Cheah. Pictures by Varun Dhanwantri and Christopher Yam.