A group of politicians and scientists has warned that controversial technologies to offset the effects of atmospheric carbon should be banned until they are properly assessed, even as they urged developed countries to take the lead in reducing CO2 emissions. A 2022 report by the Climate Overshoot Commission, chaired by former WTO chief Pascal Lamy, said the world is increasingly likely to exceed the target of keeping temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It said richer countries must take the initiative to reduce CO2 emissions and mobilize finance for poorer countries to adapt. The report says carbon removal technologies that minimize the risk of CO2 escaping back into the atmosphere should be promoted. (Reuters)