Greenhouse Gas Removal: Land-based Solutions
Explore the science, challenges, and opportunities of land-based carbon removal for climate action.
Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
4 hoursLanguages
English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano, Español100% online
How it worksDigital upgrade
Free
Greenhouse Gas Removal: Land-based Solutions
Understand and apply land-based solutions for removing greenhouse gases
Discover how carbon relates to our climate, how removal strategies are measured and evaluated, and what trade-offs come with different approaches.
Whether you advise policymakers, manage land, work in environmental roles, or want to learn more about climate action, this four-week course gives you practical insight into the effectiveness and limitations of land-based GGR.
Carbon and climate: science and measurement
Examine how carbon cycles through the atmosphere and land, influencing climate change. You’ll dive into the basics of carbon accounting, and get hands-on with MRV (measuring, reporting, and validation) systems.
Understand how data and markets shape the push for net zero and beyond, and the scientific evidence behind carbon removal.
Land-based greenhouse gas removal options
Explore natural and technological land-based GGR approaches, including bioenergy crops, soil carbon, biochar, and peatland restoration.
Learn how to optimise for maximum impact and decide which GGR strategies suit different contexts, considering both environmental trade-offs and co-benefits.
Evaluating solutions for local and global benefit
Understand how to evaluate the full effects of GGR—balancing effectiveness, risks, and opportunity costs for climate, nature, and society.
You’ll see how holistic decision-making can turn climate ambition into real-world results. You’ll walk away with the skills to identify opportunities to implement or advise on GGR at both community and organisational levels.
Syllabus
Week 1
Carbon, Net-Zero and the Planet
Welcome to the Course
Welcome
Welcome to Week 1
Welcome to Week 1
Introduction to Net Zero
Introduction to net zero
Introduction to Carbon Cycles and Bio-accumulation
Introduction to Carbon Cycles and Bio-accumulation
Knowledge Check Quiz
Quiz
Summary
Week 1 Summary
Week 2
Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and Carbon Trading
Welcome to Week 2
Welcome to Week 2
Introduction to Carbon Trading
Introduction to Carbon Trading
Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) for carbon credits
Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) for carbon credits
Mandatory and Voluntary Carbon Standards
Mandatory and Voluntary Carbon Standards
Introduction to Carbon Markets
Introduction to Carbon Markets
Knowledge Check Quiz
Quiz
Summary
Week 2 Summary
Week 3
Science and Applicability of Carbon Dioxide Removal (Part One)
Welcome to Week 3
Welcome to week 3
Introduction to Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to carbon dioxide removal (CDR)
Introduction to Biomass Crops for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to biomass crops for CDR
Forestry for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Forestry for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Knowledge Check Quiz
Quiz
Summary
Weeks 3 Summary
Week 4
Science and Applicability of Carbon Dioxide Removal (Part Two)
Introduction to Peatlands for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Peatlands for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to Soils for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to soils for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to Biochar in Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to Biochar in Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to Enhanced Rock Weathering for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Introduction to Enhanced Rock Weathering for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Novel/Developing Methods for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Novel/Developing Methods for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in the UK
The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in the UK
End of Course Test
Test
Summary
Summary
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain the role of carbon dioxide in a changing climate
- Describe the science behind land based carbon dioxide removal strategies
- Demonstrate an understanding of measuring, reporting and validation of carbon dioxide reduction
- Discuss the suitability and limitations of land based carbon dioxide removal strategies
- Identify opportunities to locally enhance carbon dioxide removal via land based strategies
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for policy influencers, land managers, advisers, environmental professionals, and anyone interested in science-based climate solutions that leverage natural and managed landscapes.
Who will you learn with?
My background is in livestock nutrition and my interests include environmental sustainability of livestock production, sustainability and climate change in relation to agriculture and livestock.
Who developed the course?
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University has a proud reputation for leading edge research, teaching excellence and an exceptional student experience. It’s a place for the adventurous, the curious and the creative.
What's included?
Aberystwyth University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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