Removal is a climate mechanism that takes carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and stores it for a period of time, either in biological systems, geological formations, or engineered storage. In carbon accounting, removals are distinct from emissions reductions: a reduction avoids new emissions, while a removal actively pulls existing CO2 out of the air.
That distinction matters because removals are often used to support net-zero claims, but their value depends on durability, verification, and the risk of reversal. If stored carbon is released later, the climate benefit can shrink or disappear. In practice, removals appear in registries, contracts, and audit records, where accurate data on origin, quantity, and retirement status is essential. From a security perspective, organizations need strong controls against tampered records, duplicate claims, and weak traceability, because the integrity of the documentation is what makes the climate claim defensible.