 | | | | Links to recent scientific papers, web posts, upcoming events, job opportunities, podcasts, and event recordings, etc. on Carbon Dioxide Removal TechnologyEstimated removal potential per CDR method and Nordic country (MtCO2 per year) (Source)Carbon Removal Updates is a reader-supported publication. Please upgrade to a paid subscription to support us! 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 HIGHLIGHTSRESEARCH PAPER: A new study has revealed for the first time that ancient carbon, stored in landscapes for thousands of years or more, can find its way back to the atmosphere as CO₂ is released from the surfaces of rivers at a rate of 1.2BtCO2/yr equivalent in scale to the total land carbon uptake globally via photosynthesis. Read the summary of the paper here. ACT: U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Adam Schiff introduced the Wildfire Reduction and Carbon Removal Act 2025, offering $180/t tax credits for BiCRS projects locking up CO₂ for 1,000+ years—or $60/t for 100+ years. COALITION: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden launched the Nordic Carbon Removal Association. They also released a blueprint showing the Nordics could remove 85–160 MtCO₂ annually by 2050, meeting up to 60% of Europe’s demand and generating €9–17 billion in GDP and 148,000 jobs. RESOURCE: [C]Worthy and CarbonPlan released the first Direct Ocean Removal Efficiency Map, charting where and when CO₂ can be effectively pulled from the sea—and how storage losses bite into total impact. CALL FOR CONSULTATION: UNFCCC seeks input on how removal and emission reduction rules overlap under Article 6.4. crediting mechanism (Deadline 23 June). TRACKER FOR NBS: CDR.fyi launched nbs.CDR.fyi, a public tracker for forest-based carbon credit commitments. Read on to unpack more updates: COMMERCIAL NEWS Share Carbon Removal Updates RESEARCH PAPERSAuthors: Luna J.J. Geerts, Astrid Hylén and Filip J.R. MeysmanSynopsis: Marine enhanced rock weathering (mERW) was modeled as a carbon removal method in France’s coastal zone by simulating dunite addition across three sediment types. CO₂ sequestration averaged 0.32 kg CO₂/m²/kg dunite over 100 years, with coarse, mobile sediments showing the best performance. Up to 23% of France’s territorial seas are suitable for deployment, offering a 210 Mt CO₂ removal potential. While not sufficient alone, mERW could support broader CDR efforts. Key uncertainties remain.
Authors: Friedrich J. Bohn, Uwe Arnold, Ömer Bucak, Erik Frank, Leonie Schrafstetter and Kolja KuseSynopsis: This study presents CarbonFiberStone (CFS), a lightweight, bio-based construction material combining carbon fiber fabric and stone slabs. Life Cycle and Techno-Economic Assessments show CFS walls can achieve net carbon negativity (-56.86 to 65.32 kg CO₂eq/m²), sequestering up to 0.15 t CO₂/m² at similar costs to concrete. With added biochar insulation and stone powder used for enhanced weathering, CFS offers a sustainable path toward climate-friendly construction.
Authors: He Sun, Yilin Xiao, Yangyang Wang, Fengtai Tong, Hai-Ou Gu, Can Ge, Fangyue Wang, et al.Synopsis: This study links the Shuram Excursion (SE), a major Ediacaran carbon isotope shift, to intensified continental weathering. Lithium isotope data from marine carbonates reveal a negative excursion, supporting enhanced weathering—not diagenesis—as the driver. Modeling shows this weathering pulse likely boosted ocean nutrients and primary production, triggering transient oxygenation and explaining the SE’s carbon isotope signal.
Authors: Joshua F. Dean, Gemma Coxon, Yanchen Zheng, Jack Bishop, Mark H. Garnett, David Bastviken, et al.Synopsis: New global data show that 59 ± 17% of CO₂ released from rivers comes from millennia-old carbon, not just recent biomass. This aged carbon—sourced from soils, sediments, and rock—adds up to ~1.2 ± 0.3 Pg C/year, rivaling terrestrial net ecosystem exchange. The findings challenge current carbon cycle models by revealing significant loss from long-term land carbon stores, urging a reevaluation of how anthropogenic carbon is tracked in global budgets.
Authors: Lukas Marx, Jennie Rheuban, Daniel McCorkle, Christopher Murray, et al.Synopsis: Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is a marine carbon removal method that boosts CO₂ sequestration by adding alkaline materials to seawater. This study introduces the Ecological Activity Index (EAI), a tool using public data on trophic levels and fishing to identify optimal sites and times for OAE with minimal ecological impact. By incorporating higher trophic levels and ocean uses, the EAI supports baseline risk assessments and guides environmental monitoring for OAE and other marine carbon removal approaches.
Authors: Cliff T. Johnston, Timothy S. Zwier, Tuan A. Ho, Guangping Xu, Yifeng Wang, Susan B. Rempe, et al.Synopsis: This study reports the first competitive CO₂–H₂O sorption isotherms on natural saponite clays exchanged with Na, K, and Cs at near-ambient CO₂ levels (1%). CO₂ uptake increased as humidity decreased and followed the order Cs > K > Na, inversely correlated with cation hydration energy. CO₂ sorption was highest under low RH and with weakly hydrated cations like Cs⁺. Results suggest CO₂ binds to weakly hydrated, partially hydrophobic interlayer sites, offering insights for low-humidity CO₂ capture strategies.
Authors: Daniel L. Evans, Sebastian Doetterl, Nora Gallarotti, Eleanor Georgiadis, Sami Nabhan, Stephan H. Wartenweiler, et al.Synopsis: Current soil carbon models overlook petrogenic organic carbon (OCpetro) from bedrock, focusing only on biospheric sources like plant decay. This omission may lead to overestimated biospheric carbon stocks and turnover times. The authors call for cross-disciplinary research to explore OCpetro's transport, stability, role in microbial activity, and response to land use. Including OCpetro in models is vital for accurate carbon cycle assessments and improved soil carbon management strategies.
Authors: Johanna Arlinghaus, Siyu Feng, Joseph Stemmler, Samuel, Fankhauser, and Stephen M. SmithSynopsis: This study develops a taxonomy to categorize and evaluate policies supporting geological CDR, assessing their stringency, efficiency, feasibility, strategic fit, and trade-offs. It emphasizes the importance of policy sequencing aligned with technology readiness and highlights examples from the EU, UK, and US. The authors advocate for dynamic, mandatory policy bundles that balance stable signals with flexibility and budget constraints to effectively advance CDR toward net zero goals.
Authors: M. Inês Cajada, Seok-Woo Son, Jaeyoung Hwang, Hyo-Seok Park, Soon-Il AnSynopsis: Arctic sea ice area (SIA) can recover after CO₂ removal, but the process is slow and uneven. A model experiment shows that while Arctic SIA declines rapidly with rising CO₂, its recovery after CO₂ reduction takes over 300 years. Central Arctic ice recovers slowly due to delayed ocean cooling and increased atmospheric heat, while the North Atlantic sees faster recovery linked to weakened ocean heat transport and delayed AMOC rebound. These regional differences may influence mid-latitude climate patterns.
Authors: Zivi R Schaffer, Kwon RausisIan, Ian M Power, Carlos PauloSynopsis: Field experiments in Ontario tested kimberlite residues from diamond mining as ERW material for CDR. Applying 20–40 kg/m² increased dissolved inorganic carbon in soil porewaters, indicating CO2 solubility trapping. Over 3 years, CDR rates reached 1.4 t CO2/ha, mainly from carbonate (~75%) and silicate (~25%) weathering. CO2 flux and soil inorganic carbon measurements were unreliable due to respiration and soil variability. This study supports repurposing mine wastes like kimberlite and basalt fines for scalable ERW and improved CDR monitoring.
Authors: Nakyeong YunRuggero RossiSynopsis: An electrochemical cell captured inorganic carbon from treated wastewater effluent, converting bicarbonate to CO₂ gas and solid carbonates with over 57% efficiency. Optimized conditions reduced energy use to 3.4 kWh/kg CO₂, competitive with ocean and atmospheric CO₂ capture technologies. Operating continuously for 55 hours showed stable performance. This method offers a promising end-of-pipe solution for decarbonizing water treatment facilities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions when powered by renewable energy.
Authors: Andrea Zaniboni, Berit Balfors, Zahra Kalantari, Jessica Page, Patrizia Tassinari, Daniele TorreggianiSynopsis: A GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis was used to assess land suitability for nature-based solutions (NbS) to boost carbon sequestration in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The study mapped optimal sites for street trees, green spaces, and buffer strips across urban, peri-urban, and agricultural zones. Results highlight high-suitability areas near cities and coastlines, offering guidance for policymakers to maximize environmental benefits. Model robustness and carbon potential were also evaluated.
Authors: Philipp SpitzerSynopsis: his paper outlines safe, hands-on classroom experiments to teach carbon dioxide removal via chemical weathering. Using simple tools like PET bottles, students react CO₂ with basalt to form bicarbonate. The activities demonstrate CO₂ solubility, pH shifts, and real-world carbon capture, enhancing climate literacy in chemistry education.
Authors: Grant Falvo & G. Philip RobertsonSynopsis: Historical deforestation in the U.S. Upper Midwest caused net warming of 1626 ± 44 µW/m², driven by a 76% loss in ecosystem carbon, reduced soil methane uptake, and increased nitrous oxide emissions. Increased albedo offset 24% of this warming. Nature-based solutions showed climate benefits: conservation agriculture (-39 to -76 µW/m²), short/medium forestry rotations (-296 to -881 µW/m²), and natural forest regeneration providing the greatest mitigation (-1555 µW/m²) over 100 years.
Authors: Allegra Mayer, Jerome Dumortier, Zeke Hausfather, Jennifer Pett-Ridge, Eric SlessarevSynopsis: This study compares temporary (e.g., soil-based) and permanent (e.g., geological) CDR, using cover crops as a case. Simulations show that maintaining a "patchwork" of temporary CDR can reduce warming but depends on long-term stability. Replacing temporary with permanent CDR later may be more cost-effective than relying solely on either. However, this bridge approach is risky if institutional support falters, highlighting the need for robust commitments to maintain temporary efforts.
WEB POSTSShare Carbon Removal Updates THESISAuthors: Raiskila, RoosaSynopsis: This thesis explores ways to commercialize BECCS in Europe, focusing on investment challenges, especially in Finland. It examines integrating durable CDR into the EU ETS, creating a European Carbon Central Bank, linking voluntary carbon markets with subsidies, and quota obligations. Using interviews and literature, it highlights regulatory gaps and recommends embedding CDR in EU ETS and establishing a Carbon Bank to boost market confidence and accelerate BECCS deployment.
REPORTSSummary of the scientific concepts behind the archetypal mCDR processes (Source)Share Carbon Removal Updates UPCOMING EVENTSLAC Soil Carbon 2025 | 25-28 June 2025 | Reo de Janeiro (Brazil)We 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 postdoctoral researcher will conduct innovative research on land-based CDR such as afforestation, forestry and bioenergy. The postdoc will assess these along with ocean-based methods regarding their potentials to take up CO2 and side-effects on climate and ecosystem functioning."
"We are seeking a part-time, short-term hire (3 months effort spread over 3-6 months) to assist the ExOIS PO in the coordination and preparation of materials required for the application of a permit for ocean iron fertilization (OIF) field research in the high seas."
"At Capture6, we are developing rapidly scalable carbon removal and decarbonization solutions and creating environmental benefits to accelerate the transition to a decarbonized global economy."
"Indigo is leveraging the most advanced science and technology, we deliver proven ag sustainability programs and biological products at scale."
"Skytree enables a transition to a world with cleaner Air for everyone. We do this by developing and deploying smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world."
"Travertine is a Climate Tech start-up based in Boulder, CO, that is rapidly scaling a technology for low-waste, carbon-negative production of critical elements, focusing on phosphoric acid production for our go-to-market application."
"Carbon180 is a climate NGO with a vision to remove legacy carbon emissions from the atmosphere and create a livable climate in which current and future generations can thrive."
"ecoLocked is a growing climate technology startup dedicated to carbon removal and pioneering sustainable materials."
"As the Carbon Removal Program Manager on Apple's Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives team, you will work on the team driving development and implementation of projects and partnerships which remove otherwise unavoidable emissions from Apple’s scope 1 and 3 footprint."
"BeZero Carbon is a global carbon ratings agency. We equip world-leading organisations with the knowledge, tools and confidence to make better climate decisions."
"Chestnut Carbon, a nature-based carbon removal developer, operates high-quality U.S. forestry projects that meet the most rigorous 3rd party verification criteria."
Looking for your dream job in CDR? There are 642 jobs available *right now*: check them all out at: CDRjobs Board
PODCASTS"In this edition of Plan Sea, host Anna Madlener is joined by Na’im Merchant, host of The Carbon Curve podcast and Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada, for a special co-hosted episode of the two podcasts. Recorded live at the Carbon to Sea 2025 Annual Convening, Anna and Na’im speak with Dr. Lennart Bach, Associate Professor and ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) scientist at the University of Tasmania, to share insights and key takeaways from this year’s event."
"In the latest episode of the podcast "What Goes Up Must Come Down," hosted by Klimate, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) with guest Tank Chen, co-founder and head of content and community at CDR.fyi. This episode unpacks the current state of the carbon removal market, explores the emerging CDR scene in Asia, and sheds light on the promising developments in the Nordic region."
"In this enlightening episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we welcome Sean Lowrie, Head of External Affairs for ARCA, one of DPI's associate members. Sean shares insights from his 30-year career in international development and his current work with ARCA, a climate technology company pioneering innovative ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere."
YOUTUBE VIDEOSThe role of biochar in a warming, post-USAID world with Dr. David Hughes | Biochar Life "Dr. David Hughes serves as the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Global Food Security at Penn State University, where he also holds professorships in entomology and biology. As the founder of PlantVillage, a Penn State initiative, Dr. Hughes leads efforts to enhance global food security by integrating artificial intelligence, mobile technology, and community networks. PlantVillage empowers smallholder farmers across Africa, Asia, and the Americas to combat pests and adapt to climate change by leveraging AI-driven tools and youth-led ground networks.Building upon this mission, Dr. Hughes established PlantVillage+, a private enterprise partially owned by Penn State. This venture aims to alleviate poverty and address climate change by offering paid services to farmers, corporations, and governments, while continuing to support public AI research. Notably, PlantVillage+ allocates 30% of its profits to workers and farmers, 10% to its charitable arm—the Village Youth Fund—and 5% to assist governments in accessing advanced technologies and AI solutions.”
Climeworks layoffs: What does it mean for carbon removal? | Tito - AirMiners Who Will Buy? Forest Carbon at a Crossroads - Elizabeth Aldrich | This Week In Carbon "The episode covers:
Why corporate buyers are pulling back—and what it means for project developers
-The real-world challenges of Article 6 implementation, from authorization bottlenecks to host country risk
-The growing importance of trust, safe harbor protections, and clarity for market actors
-The gap between ambition and financing on the ground
-Why data is powerful—but relationships are still at the heart of integrity
This is a grounded, field-informed conversation that cuts through the noise and focuses on what really matters for scaling high-integrity climate action."
Composting Biomass Waste for Carbon Removal with CO2 Capture | Remove and Reflect Podcast "This episode discusses a recent paper that presents a techno-economic assessment of industrial composting of biomass waste combined with CO2 capture as a method for atmospheric carbon removal. The research investigates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this BiCRS (biomass carbon removal and storage) technology, utilizing experimental data from composting reactors to inform the analysis. It highlights the process's ability to generate a high concentration of biogenic CO2 for capture while preventing methane emissions and producing a valuable soil amendment. The study concludes that this approach holds potential as a viable BiCRS technology, particularly for wet organic waste, with costs sensitive to biomass feed rate and tipping fees."
Microbial Enhanced Weathering of Gran Canaria Lapilli | Remove and Reflect Podcast "This episode covers a scientific paper that explores using microbial processes to accelerate the weathering of volcanic rocks, specifically Gran Canaria lapilli and lava basalt, for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Researchers conducted experiments in flow-through columns with and without a mixed microbial culture, finding that inoculation significantly increased weathering rates and carbon sequestration in both rock types compared to abiotic controls. While lapilli showed faster weathering and more biomass, the lava basalt columns ultimately captured more inorganic carbon. The study concludes that utilizing microbially enhanced weathering systems with appropriate rock feedstocks holds potential as a viable CDR strategy."
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