Advancing carbon removal standards

Project description

I lead a collaborative interdisciplinary team to advance standards for carbon removal accounting. 

The project brings together experts from the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions and Arizona State University. 

The aim is to advance the understanding of carbon sequestration, focusing on evidence-based performance, the management of impermanence and equal treatment carbon reservoirs through the lens of responsibility.  More information in this Project overview.

Publications

• Eliminating the Need for Life Cycle Analysis for Carbon Accounting and in the Certification of Carbon Sequestration - preprint

• Intergenerational equity and responsibility: a call to internalize impermanence into certifying carbon sequestration - preprint

• Snapshot of the Carbon Sequestration Certification Market Ecosystem - published in the journal Climate Policy

• Definitions and mechanisms for managing durability and reversals in standards and procurers of carbon dioxide removal - preprint

• Why should I trust you (carbon sequestration)? - blog entry for I-WEST

• Carbon removal certification is the next climate frontier - blog entry for The Academic

Resources

• Project partner website

• Ecosystem map - this interactive map shows the actors in the certification space

Opportunities

Join the Vanguard of Climate Action: PhD Position at Arizona State University

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on global warming? Do you have a passion for geology and cutting-edge technologies? We invite you to embark on a transformative journey with the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions (CNCE) at Arizona State University (ASU).

About us:

ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. ASU’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has led to the creation of the CNCE, a pioneering hub for carbon removal research.

The challenge:

Stopping the progression of global warming requires the development of a large carbon removal industry. Removed carbon must be certified to have been safely, securely, and equitably sequestered. Unfortunately, current carbon market accounting practices are struggling to provide the trustworthy evidence needed for this critical task. Drs. Stephanie Arcusa and Klaus Lackner and the team have developed evidence-based accounting rules to fill that gap. These rules must be tested by applying them to sequestration activities.

Your opportunity:

The CNCE is recruiting a PhD student starting Spring or Fall 2024 to work on a cutting-edge carbon accounting project. The student will work to apply evidence-based carbon accounting rules to develop measurement techniques for a mineralization project. As a part of this journey, the student will likely collaborate closely with a leading sequestration company. International site visits will likely be essential.

Requirements:

We are seeking candidates who embody the spirit of innovation and are dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The ideal candidate should have:

Skills

·        A strong background in geology, with expertise in mineralogy and geochemistry.

·        Proficiency in earth science field and lab methods.

·        Demonstrated capabilities in data analysis.

Interests

·        A genuine interest in methods development.

·        A commitment to making a difference.

·        A curiosity about and openness to embracing new technologies.

Essential Qualifications

·        Willingness and ability to travel internationally.

·        Proficient coding skills in one or more of the following: R, Python, or Matlab.

Why ASU?

ASU is not just a university; it's a thriving ecosystem of innovation, research, and positive change. Our commitment to sustainability and the pursuit of knowledge is unwavering, and we invite you to be a part of this journey. The position would like be within the School of Complex Adaptive Systems.

Application Deadline: November 1st 2023

To Apply:

Please submit your application, including your CV, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining your research interests and motivation, and contact information for three references, to Dr. Arcusa at sarcusa@asu.edu.