Introduction‍

In a world increasingly aware of climate change, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies has emerged as a crucial tool in the global decarbonisation strategy. While much of the spotlight has been on regions such as South America and Africa, South Asia remains a largely untapped frontier—despite its enormous potential. With its rich biodiversity, a large population, and infrastructure advantages, the region offers potentials for scalable and high-quality climate solutions.

TL;DR

• South Asia offers a unique opportunity for carbon dioxide removal due to biomass availability and favorable climate conditions.

• Key pathways include regenerative agriculture, afforestation, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering.

• Challenges include landholder fragmentation and varying market approaches across regions.

• Engaging smallholder farmers is crucial for successful implementation and scalability.

• Soil carbon sequestration presents a viable, faster alternative to traditional afforestation methods.

The Promise of CDR in South Asia

As our guest, Ikarus Janzen from Varaha, pointed out, there is a big opportunity generally in the tropical belt. With abundant biomass and dual agricultural seasons, regions like India not only provide the resources needed for carbon sequestration but also the potential for clean energy production.

South Asia is still largely untapped in the carbon removal space, especially when compared to South America and Africa. This is primarily due to fragmented land ownership and differing market dynamics. However, qualified workforce and strong infrastructure make it a promising area for future CDR initiatives.

“While Africa also has a lot of labor, it is sometimes very difficult to get the same cost efficiencies at scale because the infrastructure is lacking to support that.” — Ikarus Janzan, Chief Commercial Officer at Varaha

Afforestation, Reforestation, and Restoration (ARR)

Afforestation, reforestation, and restoration (ARR) projects have garnered attention, but implementing successful ARR requires integration with broader aims and priorities. For instance, Varaha’s tree-planting initiative provides comprehensive training and support to help smallholder farmers cultivate income-generating tree species. This approach not only boosts carbon sequestration but also improves local livelihoods.

By aligning carbon credit programs with farmers’ economic priorities, such initiatives become more viable and long-lasting. The goal of ARR should not solely be maximising carbon capture, but delivering environmental and socio-economic benefits—creating solutions that are as sustainable for communities as they are for the planet.

Soil Carbon Sequestration

Soil carbon sequestration provides a quicker path to generating carbon credits than traditional afforestation efforts. While ARR projects typically take at least four years before yielding credits, soil carbon initiatives begin showing results within a year. This faster timeline makes them more attractive and investable for stakeholders, as Jansen highlighted.

“Time to market I think really matters, and then the scalability really matters, and then there are also certain cost advantages, especially if we do it at scale.” — Ikarus Janzan

Challenges to Soil Carbon Sequestration

Despite a promising outlook, challenges remain. In 2023, only 7 million credits were issued across major registries, which is a tight supply. Moreover, developing a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system is critical for ensuring the integrity of carbon credits, which is likely solvable with technology.

Another challenge is educating the market and buyers, as hesitation and limited understanding of carbon initiatives persist. Drawing from his experience at Varaha, Ikarus noted that small-scale farmers are primarily driven by the goal of boosting crop yields and reducing fertiliser costs, rather than by potential carbon revenue. As a result, the project prioritises practical farming techniques that align with farmers’ immediate interests while also contributing to soil carbon improvements.

Conclusion

South Asia’s potential for carbon removal is immense, but it requires a concerted effort to harness it effectively. By focusing on smallholder farmers and integrating sustainable practices, we can create a more resilient agricultural landscape that benefits both the environment and local communities. As we move forward, the integration of technology and education will be vital to overcoming challenges and unlocking the full potential of carbon removal in South Asia and worldwide.

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