Why Canada’s New Direct Air Capture Protocol Could Change the Climate Game

Canada just made history by launching the world’s first government-backed Direct Air Capture (DAC) offset protocol. This move not only strengthens the credibility of carbon removal markets but also positions the country as a leader in climate innovation.

With net-zero targets fast approaching, DAC is becoming a key player in global carbon reduction efforts. The new framework could unlock massive investments, drive technology adoption, and serve as a model for other nations looking to regulate carbon removal. Here’s why this protocol matters.

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Creating a Stronger Carbon Credit Market

The business model for DAC relies heavily on selling carbon credits in voluntary markets. Companies aiming for net-zero status purchase these credits to offset their emissions. Major corporations, including airlines and tech firms, have already invested in DAC as part of their sustainability goals.

According to CDR.fyi, more than 1.6 million tonnes of DAC carbon credits have been bought so far, with an average price of $470 per tonne. The Canadian government’s new protocol strengthens this market by ensuring that every DAC credit meets high standards for permanence, transparency, and accountability.

By aligning with the International Standard Organization’s greenhouse gas verification requirements, Canada ensures that each credit represents a real, measurable, and lasting reduction in atmospheric CO₂. This level of credibility could boost investor confidence and expand the carbon credit market.

Setting Higher Standards for Carbon Offsets

Not all carbon offsets are created equal. Many programs, such as forestry credits, face issues like wildfires that can wipe out stored carbon. Canada’s DAC protocol eliminates this uncertainty by mandating that captured CO₂ be stored in underground geological formations for at least 100 years.

"This isn’t just another carbon offset program. Canada is setting a gold standard for how direct air capture should be done, ensuring that every tonne of CO₂ removed stays removed," said Phil De Luna, a materials scientist specializing in carbon removal.

The protocol also prohibits the use of captured CO₂ for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), a controversial practice where CO₂ is injected into oil fields to boost production. This rule ensures that DAC remains a true climate solution and not a loophole for extending fossil fuel use.

By maintaining strict storage requirements and independent verification, Canada is making DAC credits more credible, which could further increase adoption by businesses and governments worldwide.

A Step Toward Compliance Carbon Markets

Today, DAC credits are mostly used in voluntary markets, where companies buy offsets on their own. But Canada’s protocol could open the door to compliance carbon markets, where industries are legally required to offset emissions.

Globally, compliance markets like the EU Emissions Trading System and California’s Cap-and-Trade Program dominate carbon trading. If DAC becomes part of these regulatory frameworks, demand for these credits would skyrocket. Large emitters, including power plants and manufacturers, could be mandated to buy DAC offsets, leading to major investments in carbon removal infrastructure.

This shift would not only drive mass adoption but also help lower costs over time, making DAC a more accessible and scalable solution.

Direct Air Capture and the Net-Zero Mission

In 2024, global temperatures exceeded the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold for the first time. Reducing emissions alone isn’t enough anymore—we need active carbon removal to undo past damage.

DAC is one of the few solutions that can directly remove legacy emissions and help industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as aviation and cement manufacturing. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies are essential for meeting global net-zero targets.

However, DAC remains an expensive and emerging technology. Without clear policies and government support, its growth has been slow. Canada’s protocol provides a structured path for scaling DAC, creating incentives for private and public investments.

Unlike nature-based solutions, which require specific land conditions, DAC facilities can be built anywhere with access to clean energy and underground storage. This flexibility makes it a crucial tool in global climate efforts.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Future

Despite its potential, DAC still faces major roadblocks. The cost of removing CO₂ currently ranges between $400 and $1,000 per tonne. To bring this down, governments and private sectors must step up with policy incentives, tax credits, and funding for research and development.

Scaling DAC will also require expanding renewable energy sources. The process is energy-intensive, so powering DAC plants with clean electricity is critical. Investments in geothermal, nuclear, and other low-carbon energy could make DAC a more sustainable solution.

"We have the technology, but now we need the right policies and investments to bring costs down and scale up operations," said Phil De Luna.

As Canada rolls out this protocol, feedback from industry leaders and scientists will be key to refining and improving its implementation. If done right, this framework could serve as a global model, accelerating DAC adoption worldwide.

The Big Picture: Canada’s Climate Leadership

With this move, Canada is making a bold bet on DAC as a cornerstone of its climate strategy. By creating a transparent, high-integrity carbon credit framework, the government is paving the way for investment, innovation, and international adoption.

The next few years will determine whether DAC can truly scale to meet its potential. But Canada’s leadership in setting rigorous standards could inspire other nations to follow, pushing DAC into the mainstream of climate policy.

As the world races to achieve net-zero, this protocol could mark the beginning of a new era in carbon removal, proving that DAC is not just a futuristic concept but a real, viable solution in the fight against climate change.