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TABLE OF CONTENTSNote: Click on the headings listed in the table of contents above to easily navigate to the sections you're interested in. THIS WEEK’S TOP CDR HIGHLIGHTSCDR FUNDING BOOST: Germany’s 2026 draft budget allocated nearly €500 million for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), including €111 million in 2026 and €320 million planned through 2033, starting with €90 million in 2027. €45 million is earmarked for soil carbon in 2026. The Environment Ministry has also created a dedicated department for negative emissions within its National Climate Policy division. RESEARCH PAPER: Forests cover 40% of the EU land and have helped absorb about 10% of its carbon emissions since 1990 to 2022. But a new Nature study warns their sink capacity is falling fast, down 27% in a decade. Annual absorption dropped from 457 MtCO₂e (2010–14) to 332 MtCO₂e (2020–22), putting the EU’s 2050 climate-neutral target and 2030 sink goals at serious risk. JAPAN CDR COUNCIL: Mitsubishi Research Institute and Mitsubishi Corporation have announced plans to launch the Japan CDR Council. The initiative aims to unite diverse stakeholders to accelerate CDR development and build a robust carbon removal ecosystem in Japan. AIRMINERS BUYERS CLUB: AirMiners has opened its 2025 Buyers Club supplier application, seeking carbon removal credits of 100–10,000 t with 12–18 month delivery timelines. Biochar, BECCS, biomass burial, BiCRS and nature‑based methods preferred. Deadline: 08 August 2025 DOCUMENTARY: A recent documentary by NZZ Format showcases Swiss organizations like Climeworks and Neustark, along with innovators such as Carbfix and a local biochar producer in the Swiss Alps. It explores whether carbon removal technologies can realistically support climate goals. With global capacity at just 1 Mt, the film questions whether scaling, funding, and policy efforts are sufficient to reach the billions of tons needed by 2050. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Pinwheel opened a new funding round for nature-based and durable CDR projects. Apply by 05 September 2025 Read on to unpack more updates: COMMERCIAL NEWS Share Carbon Removal Updates RESEARCH PAPERSAuthors: Lucilla Boito, Laura Steinwidder, Jet Rijnders, Jesse Berwouts, Sarah Janse, Harun Niron, et al.Synopsis: This 15-month mesocosm study on enhanced weathering (EW) with basalt reveals complex effects on soil CO₂ efflux (SCE), influenced by plants, earthworms, and soil moisture. Basalt increased rhizosphere respiration initially but later reduced SCE in unplanted soils. Results highlight the need to consider both biotic and abiotic factors in EW assessments and to account for soil organic carbon dynamics when evaluating EW’s climate mitigation potential.
Authors: William F. Lamb, Sean Low, Leo-Michael Gordon, Maisa MattilaSynopsis: This analysis of 2024 reports from OGCI oil and gas firms questions their commitment to scaling CDR. While firms cite net-zero goals, CDR plans are vague, anecdotal, and tied to ESG narratives. Nature-based solutions dominate, with limited focus on scalable options like DACCS. CDR may be used more as a hedge against policy than a decarbonization strategy. The study maps firm strategies and outlines possible future trajectories.
Authors: Csaba Tölgyesi, Nándor Csikós, Vicky M. Temperton, Elise Buisson, Fernando A. O. Silveira, et al.Synopsis: This study estimates global carbon sequestration from restoring forests, shrublands, grasslands, and wetlands by 2100 at up to 96.9 Gt, just 3.7–12% of projected emissions. Accounting for climate-driven ecosystem changes, mitigation potential nears zero. Thus, ecosystem restoration should prioritize biodiversity, livelihoods, and resilience, with limited reliance on it as a climate solution.
Authors: Navneet Goswami, Shraavya Rao, Sergio Diaz Abad, Andrew Ruba, Harshul Thakkar, et al.Synopsis: This study presents a multiscale modeling framework for DAC using carbon nanofiber (CNF) sorbents. By combining pore-scale LBM and macroscale modeling, it shows that a balanced micropore–mesopore structure enhances CO₂ adsorption. Hierarchical porosity improves site use and reduces transport losses. These findings offer design insights for more efficient, durable, and low-energy DAC systems.
Authors: Farzin Hosseinifard, Mohsen Salimi, Majid AmidpourSynopsis: This study evaluates four solar-assisted DAC system designs using techno-economic and exergoeconomic analysis. The PV + Single Solar Tower setup offers the lowest cost ($276.21/ton) and best cost-effectiveness, while PV + PTC shows highest exergy efficiency. Results suggest solar-integrated DAC, especially tower-based systems, can lower costs and improve performance, making them promising for large-scale CO₂ removal.
Authors: Fugo Nakamura, Hkaung Htut San, Hajime Iwaki, Monthicha Rawangphai, Naomi Kitagawa, et al.Synopsis: This study explores Enhanced Rock Weathering using basalt in acid mine drainage (AMD) sites. Modeling shows ERW can deliver net carbon removal and enable passive AMD treatment. Basalt boosts mineral weathering and schwertmannite formation, which adsorbs arsenic while maintaining acidity. Life cycle and economic analyses confirm feasibility, suggesting ERW could offset costly, carbon-intensive limestone treatment at arsenic-contaminated AMD sites.
Authors: Johannes Meyer zu Drewer, Maria-Elena Vorrath, Thorben Amann, Jens Hartmann, Jose Maria De la Rosa, et al.Synopsis: This study explores PyMiCCS, a combined CDR approach using co-pyrolyzed biomass and silicate rock powder to create rock-enhanced biochars. These composite materials offer higher nutrient content, liming effects, and C-sink potential. Co-pyrolysis boosts thermal stability but reduces porosity, with unclear impacts on weathering. The method shows promise for multifunctional CDR, though further research is needed on environmental persistence and weathering dynamics.
Authors: Katrina Kloesel, Vittoria Bolongaro, Paolo Gabrielli, Viola Becattini, Marco MazzottiSynopsis: This study introduces a simplified Earth system model to explore CO₂ management pathways to net-zero, focusing on CCS, BECCS, and direct air capture. It finds CO₂ reduction and removal equally impactful in today's net-positive world, but removal is essential for net-zero. Success hinges on sufficient CO₂ storage and full fossil fuel phase-out. The framework aims to guide better policy design, resource use, and public trust in climate solutions.
Authors: Ella Milliken, Alex Woodley, Noah J. PlanavskySynopsis: This study demonstrates continuous in-soil CO₂ monitoring in a basalt-amended soybean plot in Virginia, marking a first in agricultural enhanced weathering trials. Results show clear CO₂ flux reduction, equal to 1.04 tCO₂/ha/year, mostly during the growing season after rain. This validates EW as a scalable, durable carbon removal method and highlights the value of continuous gas-phase measurements for understanding EW dynamics.
Authors: Flore Verbist, Emma Jagu Schippers, Injy Johnstone, Coline Seralta, Romain Presty, Antigoni TheocharidouSynopsis: This review explores how CDR is being integrated into voluntary, quasi-compliance, and compliance carbon markets. While voluntary markets drive CDR innovation, lasting impact requires robust compliance frameworks. Emerging mechanisms like Article 6 and ETS are starting to include CDR, though permanent removals remain costly and underused. Hybrid policy models and stronger certification systems may enhance CDR’s role in carbon market systems.
Authors: Felix Dörpmund, Christoph Brändle, Antonia Holland-Cunz and Lukas TankSynopsis: This study examines how private actors—tech suppliers, buyers, and financiers, shape CDR governance. Based on 79 interviews, it reveals diverse views on regulation, transparency, funding, and climate justice. Key tensions include oil sector involvement and the trade-off between scaling fast and ensuring inclusive processes. The findings highlight the complex, influential role of private organizations in CDR's ethical and market frameworks.
Authors: Hanna FiegenbaumSynopsis: This paper critiques how timber use in construction is classified in carbon markets, warning that conflating storage with carbon removal may undermine market integrity. It evaluates classification methods and urges treating timber within broader building-level mitigation strategies. It also stresses robust attribution methods and the need to address biodiversity and land-use trade-offs in timber-based climate policies.
Authors: Sophie Chlela & Sandrine SelosseSynopsis: This review identifies key challenges in applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to CDR, including inconsistent system boundaries and limited focus on permanence. It calls for broader use of consequential approaches, integration with system modeling, and standardized metrics like permanent CO₂ removed. Addressing these gaps is vital for assessing environmental trade-offs and guiding responsible large-scale CDR deployment.
Schematic of aggregate carbon pools and fluxes (Source)WEB POSTSA primer on additionality and carbon removal (Carbon Based Commentary) Carbon-Based CommentaryRequirements and tests for carbon projects to generate a marginal benefit over their baseline or “business-as-usual” scenarios date back to the origins of carbon markets and the concept of carbon credits. Additionality is a key feature of crediting programs that helps protect the environmental integrity of claims. However, the emergence of carbon dioxid… 6 days ago · 7 likes · Grant Faber REPORTSUPCOMING EVENTSWe have curated a “Carbon Removal Events Calendar.” Explore and stay informed about upcoming events, conferences, and webinars on Carbon Dioxide Removal technology. Sync specific events / all events to your default calendar to ensure you never miss out on important CDR updates. Carbon Removal Events Calendar JOB OPPORTUNITIES"The University of Warwick Postgraduate Research Scholarships offers fully funded opportunities for doctoral candidates to study at Warwick’s Department of Chemistry.The University of Warwick Postgraduate Research Scholarships in the UK is a fully funded PhD Studentship in Negative Emissions Technologies for: NET2ZERO."
"Rainbow is building a market where credits aren’t abstract offsets — they’re strategic climate tools that buyers want to engage with."
"Isometric is the world’s leading carbon removal registry. We help Fortune 100 companies tackle climate change and avoid greenwashing."
"At Klim, we’re creating a joint movement with farmers and businesses to make regenerative agriculture scalable and impactful. As a Berlin-based AgriTech start-up, we’re empowering farmers to restore soil, boost biodiversity, and capture carbon—all while earning revenue through our platform."
"CarbonCure Technologies is a fast-growing carbon utilization tech company deploying easy-to-adopt solutions that enable concrete producers to use captured CO₂ to produce reliable, lower carbon concrete mixes."
"[C]Worthy is a Focused Research Organization operating in partnership with Convergent Research. We develop science-backed tools for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) by adapting advanced oceanographic models to quantify carbon removal and assess ecosystem impacts with scientific credibility."
"Mati Carbon offers an innovative technology to scale gigaton carbon removal that holds the potential to build climate resilience and economic empowerment for more than 100 million smallholder farmers in the developing economies worldwide."
"ecoLocked is a climate tech startup that focuses on carbon removal and innovations in the materials sector. We develop sustainable building materials based on biochar, a scalable carbon-negative material."
Looking for your dream job in CDR? There are 611 jobs available *right now*: check them all out at: CDRjobs Board
PODCASTS"Thousands of tonnes of excess sewage, manure, food waste and paper sludge are being pumped hundreds of meters underground in the USA, where it will stay for centuries, preventing greenhouse gases from being released. Microsoft is backing the method to help offset carbon emissions. We speak to the co-founder and CEO of Vaulted Deep."
Transforming Minerals with Biology: Rare Earth Extraction and Carbon Storage with Buz Barstow and Esteban Gazel | The Climate Biotech Podcast | Transforming Minerals with Biology: Rare Earth Extraction and Carbon Storage with Buz Barstow and Esteban Gazel The Climate Biotech Podcast 1:00:22 |
"Mining has essentially been the same for 5,000 years, just now with bigger shovels. Imagine if we could drastically increase mining efficiency and output for both the environment and national security. That's exactly what Dr. Esteban Gazel, a Costa Rican-born geochemist, and Dr. Buz Barstow, a physicist-turned-synthetic biologist, are working on at Cornell University.When these brilliant minds connected over rare earth elements and carbon storage, they realized that existing microorganisms could be engineered and optimized to transform how we extract critical minerals from the earth. Their groundbreaking research has already improved the microbe Gluconobacter's ability to extract rare earth elements by an astounding 1,200% compared to its natural capabilities. This biological approach operates at room temperature with minimal environmental impact, potentially transforming mining from a destructive industry into a sustainable process.The stakes couldn't be higher. Each wind turbine requires five tons of copper and one ton of rare earth elements, materials that currently demand processing hundreds or thousands of tons of rock through energy-intensive methods. As we transition to clean energy, these demands will only increase, creating an urgent need for sustainable extraction approaches.Their Microbe Mineral Atlas project aims to catalog how microorganisms interact with minerals, identifying biological systems that can dissolve rocks, generate acids, create chelators, and precipitate specific elements. Beyond metal extraction, they're exploring how microbes might accelerate natural carbon sequestration processes in minerals like olivine.What makes their work so powerful is their complementary expertise – Gozel's deep knowledge of mineral thermodynamics paired with Barstow's synthetic biology innovations. Their vision goes beyond incremental improvements; they're reimagining mining entirely with processes that can efficiently extract multiple elements simultaneously, utilize low-grade deposits, and operate with minimal environmental impact."
Why Is the Pulp and Paper Industry So Great for CDR?—w/ Natalie Khtikian & Jon Rhone, Cofounders of CO280 | Reversing Climate Change | 359: Why Is the Pulp and Paper Industry So Great for CDR?—w/ Natalie Khtikian & Jon Rhone, Cofounders of CO280 Reversing Climate Change 41:47 |
"Many hardtech entrepreneurs develop a technology and then figure out how to commercialize it. What happens if you find an industry with potential and then engineer a solution to open an entirely new market to them?Today's show is with two of the cofounders of CO280: Natalie Khtikian, the Chief Commercial Officer, and Jonathan Rhone, the Chief Executive Officer.Natalie and John explain what it's like working with an industry as established as pulp and paper, structuring joint venture deals with them, and showing them the potential upside to opening business lines in carbon removal.The deal mechanics of joint ventures for carbon removal are discussed (though probably deserve their own full show!), and Natalie shares some reasons why she is optimistic about carbon removal despite some of the headwinds the industry is currently experiencing."
"In this episode of Climate Confident, I spoke with Ori Shaashua, Co-founder and CCO of Gigablue, a marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) company taking a radically scalable approach to the carbon challenge."
Is the UK quietly leading the CDR charge? - with Ted Christie-Miller | The CDR Policy Scoop | Is the UK quietly leading the CDR charge? - with Ted Christie-Miller The CDR Policy Scoop 28:57 |
"We’ve covered a lot of CDR policy developments in Europe and across the pond in the United States. But, truth be told, the UK is a bit of a blind spot for us.The UK’s Net-Zero Strategy was one of the first to establish an engineered Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR aka CDR) target. And only days before our scoop, the UK government has confirmed its plan to integrate removals into the UK ETS by 2029, with legislation targeted for 2028.Is the UK quietly and humbly leading the way in CDR? What will it take for it to truly become a global leader in carbon management?To help us better understand it all, we’re delighted to welcome special guest Ted Christie-Miller, co-founder of Residual. He’s shaped the UK’s conversation on CDR market frameworks and policy strategy.Join co-hosts Eve Tamme and Sebastian Manhart as they learn from Ted about the UK’s CDR landscape, including the government’s approach to carbon markets and the expansion of the UK ETS, as well as the future outlook."
CDR and Credibility: Unpacking reversal rules under Article 6.4 - with Danny Cullenward | CDR Policy Scoop | CDR and Credibility: Unpacking reversal rules under Article 6.4 - with Danny Cullenward The CDR Policy Scoop 30:23 |
"The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM, also known as the Article 6.4 mechanism) is going through another round of public consultations. One key document on the table is the draft standard on non-permanence/reversals, which has sparked a lot of questions.What are the options on the table? What does it mean for different types of carbon removal projects? How are the various documents up for public consultation via the Methodology Expert Panel and the PACM Supervisory Body connected?There is no better person to help with deciphering the content and process than Danny Cullenward, a member of the PACM Methodological Expert Panel. Co-author of the influential book “Making Climate Policy Work”, his research and advice have influenced the architecture of carbon markets globally. Danny speaks in his individual capacity and does not represent the MEP or the PACM at our live session."
YOUTUBE VIDEOSFrom Biochar to Carbon Removal: Exploring the Future of CDR with Simon Manley | Biochar Life "Simon comes from a project development background and is a respected technical expert with 15+ years of experience in developing and implementing CDR standards and methodologies. He has led and participated in teams to develop Verra's VM0044 Biochar methodology, both Isometric and Puro's Enhanced Rock Weathering methodologies and now new standards for both BECCS and DACCS, commissioned by the UK government. "'
Removing and storing CO₂? Between hype and reality | Documentary NZZ Format Long version "This film showcases prominent Swiss organizations like Climeworks and Neustark, as well as other innovative players such as Carbfix and a local biochar producer in the Swiss Alps. This film also explore important research related to Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement."
Questions about selling your carbon to the AirMiners Buyers Club| Tito - AirMiners East Africa: Carbon Credit Powerhouse | BeZero Carbon "With the highest amount of carbon credits issued relative to its GDP, East Africa is a powerhouse for carbon credit supply, A growing hub for Direct Air Capture plants, it also boasts carbon projects in sectors such as cookstoves, forestry, mangroves and more."
Why and How to Scale Carbon Removal, with Simon Manley | The Utopia Podcast "What carbon projects have the biggest potential to combat net zero? What is holding back companies from funding carbon removal projects in 2025? What are the major risks?
In this episode Samuel Abel speaks with Simon Manley, the Director of Carbon Dioxide Removal at Sylvera, a global ratings platform for carbon projects.
They discussed common issues with carbon projects, Simon’s views on the upcoming SBTi Net Zero guidelines, which new project types Simon is most excited about, and what are the main barriers to corporate funding for carbon removal."
Operationalizing Terrestrial Storage of Biomass for High-Integrity Carbon Removal | Puro • earth "This session features leading carbon removal suppliers—including Tau Carbon, Woodcache,TimberTurn, and Mast Reforestation—sharing practical insights on driving real-world climate impact through terrestrial biomass storage."
From Sky to Soil; The Role of Durable Carbon Removal in Agriculture | Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal "As momentum builds toward net zero, it’s increasingly clear that durable carbon removal must play a central role alongside emissions cuts. Yet critical questions remain: how do we scale these solutions rapidly, affordably, and equitably? This webinar explores the untapped potential of agricultural supply chains as engines for carbon removal. Drawing on insights from the recently released report "Unlocking the Future of Climate-Smart Agriculture: Assessing the Climatic, Agronomic, Environmental, Socio-Economic and Commercial Benefits of Biochar Carbon Removal and Enhanced Rock Weathering in Global South Agricultural Value Chains," we will examine how biochar and enhanced rock weathering (ERW) can deliver measurable carbon removal while improving soil health, increasing yields, and supporting rural livelihoods—particularly in the Global South."
Wellington Biochar Project: Turning Waste into Value in the Equestrian Capital of the World | Grain Ecosystem "In this short video, you’ll hear directly from the founder and local stakeholders as they share the story behind Wellington, and why there’s growing interest in biochar as a tool to address horse waste streams."
Dirt to Dollars. Unearthing the Science of Sustainable Investment | Carbon Expert Alicia Klepfer | Grain Ecosystem "Explore how to integrate supply chain waste projects, such as biochar, into your investment strategy. Hear from our specialists in the field: Alicia Klepfer, our Carbon Operations Expert; Ryan J. Letourneau, our co-founder and CEO; and Jason E. Dodier, our co-founder and CCO."
Puro.earth Biochar Methodology Public Consultation - Biochar Edition 2025 | Puro • earth "Puro.earth Hosted the official public consultation webinar for the 2025 update to the Puro.earth Biochar Methodology in April 2025. The webinar introduced key changes in the latest revision—designed to enhance the integrity, transparency, and scientific rigor of biochar-based carbon dioxide removal. Building on five years of global, hands-on experience, and incorporating the latest advancements in the field, this update sets a new benchmark for climate action and sustainable carbon removal."
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