> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://aetlas.gitbook.io/aetlas/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://aetlas.gitbook.io/aetlas/for-project-developers/references-and-other-guidance/essential-principles-for-high-quality-carbon-dioxide-removal/harms-and-benefits.md).

# Harms and Benefits

Minimizing harms involves avoiding negative impacts on economic, social, and environmental systems that result from CDR projects. Because concerns vary by CDR pathway and context, the harms that follow are not exhaustive, but are intended to describe some of the common negative impacts across all CDR pathways.\
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Beyond avoiding harm, projects can maximize benefits to local communities and ecosystems by advancing [environmental justice](/aetlas/for-project-developers/references-and-other-guidance/essential-principles-for-high-quality-carbon-dioxide-removal/environmental-justice.md), building climate resilience, supporting alternative livelihoods, and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. 

### Project Developers Must

* Show that projects have a low risk of community health impacts and provide a strategy for mitigating any such health risks. 
* Assess the likelihood and severity of project activities negatively impacting surrounding ecosystems (including but not limited to soil health, biodiversity, and water resources) and provide a mitigation strategy. 
* Assess the likelihood and severity of project activities negatively impacting local communities (including but not limited to increased risk of wildfire, food insecurity, energy unaffordability) and provide a mitigation strategy. 
* Prevent community displacement.
* Transparently report any use of toxic and/or persistent environmental pollutants, including agrochemicals.
*  Avoid using pesticides banned in the United States or European Union.