 | | | | Links to recent scientific papers, web posts, upcoming events, job opportunities, podcasts, and event recordings, etc. on Carbon Dioxide Removal TechnologySubscribe to stay informed on carbon dioxide removal tech and support our independent reporting through a paid subscription.Donate < $10 Get 20% off a group subscription 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 HIGHLIGHTSGovernment Initiative: The U.S. Congress has approved FY26 funding to support carbon removal technology development and deployment, allocating $71.5 M for R&D, $45 M for a carbon removal purchase pilot prize, and funding for storage permitting. However, the bill also reprograms $1.04 B of currently unobligated DAC Hub funds toward small modular nuclear reactors, leaving $800 M for DAC and reducing the program’s potential impact. Research Paper: New analysis by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) indicated carbon markets must price carbon removal credits based on storage duration, as permanent storage is significantly more valuable than temporary, non-permanent options. Short-term storage, while cheaper and useful for bridging, shifts the burden of future re-capture to later generations, justifying a higher price for permanent solutions. World’s First OAE Credits: CarbonRun generated world’s first river alkalinity enhancement credits, issued under Isometric’s industry-first River Alkalinity Enhancement Protocol. Call for Consultations: Isometric has published the draft Biomass Storage in Subsurface Mines (BSSM) Module for public consultation. This module is intended to complement the Subsurface Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage Protocol. Comments are open until 16 February 2026. Protocol: Gold Standard has released a Microbial Carbon Dioxide Mineralisation Methodology, co-developed with Andes. The methodology introduces a novel, rigorously quantified pathway for durable CDR and storage in existing agricultural cropland, via the formation of Soil Inorganic Carbon. World’s First Carbon Neutral Bridge: Paebbl and Heijmans revealed the world’s first CO₂-neutral concrete bridge in the Netherlands. By utilizing biochar, recycled aggregates, and mineralized carbon fillers, the structure sequestered nearly 66 kilograms of CO₂ while meeting all structural strength requirements for infrastructure projects. Report: Canada’s technology-based CDR sector shows significant growth potential, supported by 78 companies and 48 active/planned projects, but requires sustained policy to reach commercial viability, according to a 2026 federal government market snapshot. Call for Consultations: The European Commission has opened a four‑week public consultation on draft voluntary carbon farming certification rules to guide how land managers can earn payments for climate‑friendly practices that enhance carbon storage in soil and forests. The consultation runs until 19 February 2026. Read on to unpack more updates: COMMERCIAL NEWS Share RESEARCH PAPERSAuthors: Hendrik Grosselindemann, Friedrich A. Burger, and Thomas L. FrölicherSynopsis: Using a coupled Earth system model, this study assesses long-term climate and ocean impacts of idealized ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) across 1.5 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C stabilization pathways. Continuous global alkalinity addition from 2026 lowers atmospheric CO₂ by 73–130 ppm by 2500 and cools surface temperatures by ~0.15 °C per century, largely independent of scenario. While OAE efficiently captures carbon, net benefits decline over time due to carbon-cycle feedbacks, reinforcing the primacy of rapid emissions cuts.
Authors: Xin Cui, Jianping Li & Ellias Yuming FengSynopsis: Using Earth system modelling, this study evaluates UN net-zero pathways and the effects of continuing CDR beyond net-zero. Achieving net-zero by 2050 limits end-century warming to ~1.5 °C, while sustained CDR can return global temperatures close to pre-industrial levels. However, carbon redistribution differs from pre-industrial conditions, lowering atmospheric CO₂ and increasing ocean alkalinity, showing CDR cannot simply reverse emissions and requires careful long-term policy trade-offs.
Authors: Jennifer M. Rhymes, Niall P. McNamara, Davey L. Jones, Fabrizio Albanito & Chris D. EvansSynopsis: This perspective explores synergies between biochar application and peatland rewetting as a strategy to improve biomass-based CDR. Rewetted peatlands can suppress microbial decomposition, enhancing biochar permanence—especially for lower-stability biochars that retain higher carbon yields. Modelling suggests this combination reduces carbon losses compared to applying high-stability biochar to dry soils, potentially easing biomass constraints and improving scalability, while highlighting trade-offs such as land-use change and methane emissions.
Authors: Kathleen B. Aviso, Dominic C.Y. Foo, Ivan Henderson V. Gue, Maria Victoria Migo-Sumagang, Raymond R. Tan, Yin Ling TanSynopsis: This study evaluates the system-wide emissions impacts of large-scale enhanced weathering (EW) using basalt on Malaysian oil palm plantations. Input–output analysis shows that roughly half of the direct CO₂ removal is offset by added emissions from mining, electricity, and transport. Even so, net emissions fall by up to 11% (≈214 Mt CO₂e/yr), with substantially larger reductions when electricity is decarbonized, highlighting strong synergies between EW deployment and renewable energy expansion.
Authors: Brittany Multer Hopkins, Rattan LalSynopsis: Enhanced concrete weathering (ECW) uses waste concrete to remove atmospheric CO₂ through soil weathering, storing carbon as bicarbonates or carbonates. While ECW may raise soil pH and calcium and pose contamination risks, careful material screening and application could limit environmental harm. The literature remains sparse, with major gaps around carbon permanence, ecological impacts, and scalability, underscoring the need for long-term field studies, standardized safety thresholds, and clear guidelines for large-scale deployment.
Authors: Ben R. Mather, R. Dietmar Müller, Adriana Dutkiewicz & Sabin ZahirovicSynopsis: This study examines how deep Earth carbon cycling drives major climate shifts. Results show that the balance between volcanic outgassing and carbon sequestration into oceanic lithosphere controls icehouse–greenhouse transitions: emissions exceed sequestration during greenhouse periods, while sequestration dominates in icehouse climates. Mid-ocean ridge and rift degassing are found to surpass volcanic arc contributions before 100 Ma, challenging the traditional view that arc volcanism is the primary source of atmospheric carbon.
Authors: Max Franks, Friedemann Gruner, Matthias Kalkuhl, Kai Lessmann & Ottmar EdenhoferSynopsis: This paper analyzes optimal policies for CDR in permanent and non-permanent sinks from a welfare and public economics perspective. Non-permanent CDR can lower mitigation costs as a bridge until permanent options are available, but it does not reduce long-term temperature levels. Its value differs from the social cost of carbon due to eventual emissions release. Three policy regimes are proposed to guide deployment, addressing monitoring, liability, and financing requirements for effective implementation.
Authors: Johannes Bednar, Artem Baklanov, Justin Macinante, Jim W Hall, Thomas Gasser and Michael ObersteinerSynopsis: This study links ICJ principles of preventing significant environmental harm to long-term climate stabilization. Even under 1.5–2 °C targets, impacts like sea level rise and permafrost thaw persist for centuries. Model simulations show sustained net-negative CO₂ emissions beyond the 23rd century are needed to minimize impacts, with delayed mitigation worsening long-term risks and shifting burdens to future generations. Findings suggest Paris goals are milestones, highlighting the legal and governance need for structural, equitable global carbon removal obligations.
Authors: Chang-Ho Lee, Adam V. Subhas, Ju-Hyoung Kim, Kitack LeeSynopsis: This review highlights the ocean’s central role in carbon cycling, absorbing ~2.6–3.0 Pg C annually (~30% of anthropogenic CO₂). It covers natural carbon uptake, marine carbonate system responses, and spatial carbon distribution, alongside emerging marine CO₂ removal strategies. Ocean alkalinity enhancement and macroalgae-based approaches are examined for their potential to boost carbon storage. Successful deployment requires robust monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure effectiveness and environmental safety.
Authors: Lukas Rieder, Mathilde Hagens, Reinaldy Poetra, Alix Vidal, Tullia Calogiuri et al.Synopsis: This study investigates how dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contributes to total alkalinity (TA) in enhanced weathering (EW) systems. Microcosm experiments show that organic anions, particularly acetate, account for ~5.5% of TA, with a ratio of 3.5 mol DOC per ANC equivalent. Measurements in natural waters and soil EW mesocosms reveal smaller but non-negligible contributions (0.9–4.1%). These findings highlight that assuming TA equals carbonate alkalinity can overestimate CO₂ capture, underscoring the importance of accounting for organic alkalinity in carbon accounting.
Authors: Bodie Cabiyo, Freya Chay, Christopher Field, Kevin Fingerman, et al.Synopsis: This study shows that temporal lags in CDR substantially affect climate outcomes despite equal cumulative removals. Using the FaIR model, four lag archetypes are shown to increase near-term warming, delay atmospheric neutralization, and raise peak temperatures, in some cases increasing the probability of exceeding 2 °C by up to 6%. The findings highlight gaps in current carbon accounting and propose practical ways to incorporate timing effects for more credible net-zero and offset claims.
Authors: Hsiang-Wei Cheng, Sébastien Bonnet, Shabbir H. GheewalaSynopsis: This life cycle assessment evaluates four bamboo residue management strategies. Open burning shows the highest human health and ecosystem impacts, while biochar-to-soil reduces health impacts by 75% and provides climate benefits. Residue-to-energy pathways, especially pellet-to-energy, deliver the greatest overall gains by displacing fossil electricity, improving health, ecosystems, and resource use. As grids decarbonize, biochar-to-soil becomes more competitive, highlighting trade-offs between immediate mitigation and long-term ecosystem restoration in circular bioeconomy strategies.
Authors: Gretchen E. Kroh, Chelsea J. Carey, Lisa Eash, et al.Synopsis: This study emphasizes soil health as central to resilient agriculture and carbon accrual. While federal policies vary, Congress and producers largely support ecosystem-focused practices, yet systemic incentives often favor conventional chemical-based farming. The authors propose policy recommendations for the Farm Bill that prioritize soil health over mere carbon sequestration, aiming to empower farmers and ranchers and embed resilience in agricultural systems.
Authors: Dirk Paessler, Jens S Hammes, Ingrid Smet, Anna A StoeckelSynopsis: This greenhouse study examines enhanced weathering (EW) using rock dusts, finding a strong correlation between increased total alkalinity (TA) in leachates and biomass growth of English ryegrass. While causality remains unclear, crop yield could serve as an early, low-cost proxy for EW’s carbon removal effect, potentially guiding MRV and site assessments. Further research is needed to validate these findings across diverse soils, feedstocks, plant species, and field conditions for broader applicability in carbon drawdown initiatives.
Authors: Charly A. Moras, Matias Saez Moreno, Peggy Bartsch, and Jens HartmannSynopsis: This study investigates ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) using Ca(OH)₂, Mg(OH)₂, and NaOH in 6-month experiments under stagnant and advected conditions with continuous CO₂ supply. Advection nearly doubled total alkalinity generation and accelerated CO₂ ingassing, reducing low-CO₂ and critical alkalinity periods, which can threaten marine life. CaCO₃ precipitated in most setups, forming needles with Ca(OH)₂ and “broccoli” structures with Mg(OH)₂. Findings highlight the importance of advection for realistic long-term OAE modeling and CO₂ removal efficiency.
Authors: Umar Daraz, Junhong Xie, Lingling Li, Yongjie Zhou, Muhammad Farhan Saeed & Aftab JamalSynopsis: This long-term field study on the Chinese Loess Plateau examines how tillage and nitrogen management affect carbon sequestration and maize productivity under plastic film–mulched dryland systems. Results show that no-tillage or subsoil tillage combined with 200 kg N ha⁻¹ enhances soil organic carbon, aggregation, microbial diversity, and carbon-fixing activity, while increasing yields. Microbial community shifts mediate these benefits, highlighting optimal low-disturbance tillage and moderate nitrogen as effective strategies for sustainable rain-fed agriculture.
Authors: Xiaofang Jiang and Xian XueSynopsis: This study analyzes 94,515 soil samples to assess how salinity affects soil inorganic carbon (SIC) globally. Results show shallow-layer (0–40 cm) electrical conductivity (EC) generally increases SIC, likely via pH- and salinity-driven CO₂ absorption, while deeper layers (80–100 cm) sometimes show negative effects. Moderate EC increases (2–4 dS/m) substantially raise SIC across depths, highlighting the role of carbon–salt interactions in the soil–atmosphere–water system. These insights inform strategies for soil carbon management and carbon-neutrality planning.
WEB POSTSREPORTSShare Carbon Removal Updates UPCOMING EVENTSJanuary 2026February 2026DeCarbon | 24-26 February 2026 | CopenhagenMarch 2026We 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 Add our Carbon Removal Events Calendar to your default calendar in 2 ways:Sync specific event: Click the event → menu (≡) → Share → choose your calendar → Save.Or sync all events: Menu (≡) → Preferences → iCalendar Feeds → Copy URL → Add to your calendar settings → Subscribe.JOB OPPORTUNITIES“Removall is specialized in developing and financing certified carbon projects. They support companies and organizations in setting up rigorous and ambitious carbon contribution programs.”
“Mati Carbon is a science-driven climate technology company developing scalable and durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through enhanced rock weathering (ERW). By accelerating natural silicate weathering processes, we deliver permanent atmospheric CO removal while improving soil health and agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers.”
“At CUR8, we’re on a mission to facilitate 1Bn tonnes of carbon removed in a single year.”
“Limenet is a climate deep tech benefit company that has patented an innovative technology for removing carbon dioxide and storing it in the form of calcium carbonate.”
“Ocean Visions is a science-based, not-for-profit conservation organization launched in 2019 to develop innovative solutions to conserve and restore the ocean.”
“Sylvera provides trusted ratings, tools and data for carbon credits and CDR.”
“Loam collaborates with farmers and scientists to pioneer carbon farming solutions that achieve large-scale, high-quality carbon removal using our CarbonBuilder technology.”
“Climeworks is a leading high-quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a holistic approach to carbon removal solutions.”
“[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.”
“Klim works with farmers and food companies to make regenerative agriculture scalable and financially rewarding for farmers. Through our platform, we help farmers restore soil health, increase biodiversity and capture carbon while creating new, reliable income streams.”
“InPlanet is scaling Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) in tropical agriculture as a powerful method to remove carbon, regenerate soils, and transform the way food is grown in the tropics.”
Looking for your dream job in CDR? There are 638 jobs available *right now*: check them all out at: CDRjobs Board
PODCASTSThe Biochar Company Owned by a Data Center Company Owned by Private Equity—w/ Alastair Collier, A Healthier Earth | Reversing Climate Change | 383: The Biochar Company Owned by a Data Center Company Owned by Private Equity—w/ Alastair Collier, A Healthier Earth Reversing Climate Change 1:02:38 |
“Are we thinking about biochar financial strategy all wrong? It’s not often a good fit for venture capital, but is it actually a great fit for private equity? It might be, at least if you can get the ticket size big enough...Today’s guest is Alastair Collier, Chief R&D Officer at A Healthier Earth, a biochar project developer that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pure DC, a data center project developer, who is supported by Oaktree Capital Management, a private equity firm (which in my understanding, does several other things beyond private equity.)Alastair explains how A Healthier Earth went down this road, why he’s okay with giving up ownership of his company and accepting a management compensation plan rather than looking to a venture-backed exit, and why more biochar project developers should obsess over conventional business metrics rather than why biochar is going to save the world.Whether one wants to chart the same course or not, it’s important for all those who work in carbon removal to know what kinds of deals are possible in what may prove to be a challenging 2026.”
“In this episode of Plan Sea, hosts Anna Madlener and Wil Burns sit down with Stefano Capello, CEO and founder of Limenet — an Italian startup focused on limestone-based ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) and net-zero lime production — and Sara Groppelli, a PhD researcher at the University of Milano-Bicocca studying the impact of Limenet’s approach on phytoplankton communities. Stefano discusses Limenet’s journey from theoretical experiments in his grandmother’s garage to a pilot plant in Italy that is navigating key, real-world questions around cost efficiency and scale, environmental safety, permits and regulatory pathways, and community engagement.”
Science, technology, and risk management take center stage in carbon removals | Energy Evolution | Science, technology, and risk management take center stage in carbon removals Energy Evolution 29:25 |
“The nature-based carbon removals industry is undergoing a scientific and technological transformation to restore credibility in the voluntary carbon market.In this episode, host Eklavya Gupte speaks with Santiago Canel Soria, senior price reporter at S&P Global Energy Platts, about how project developers are deploying advanced monitoring systems and rigorous methodologies to address past market challenges as corporate buyers demand higher integrity offsets.Santiago speaks with Saif Bhatti, CEO of Renoster, and Christopher Kilner, head of biosphere science at Isometric, who explain how scientific advances and risk-management strategies are establishing nature-based removals as a credible, scalable, and cost-effective pillar of the VCM.The discussion covers the role of insurance in carbon markets, the challenge of operationalizing rigorous science at scale, and why nature-based solutions remain essential for corporates with net-zero targets.”
“Jonathan Rhone and Natalie Khtikian of CO280 join Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy and Climate Finance to discuss how CO280 is accessing project finance capital and building long-term revenue and trusted partnerships for carbon removal projects in the pulp and paper industry.”
Green Industrial Policy and CDR in the Global South - with Amir Lebdioui | The CDR Policy Scoop | Green Industrial Policy and CDR in the Global South - with Amir Lebdioui The CDR Policy Scoop 27:46 |
“In this episode of The CDR Policy Scoop, Sebastian Manhart and Eve Tamme are joined by Amir Lebdioui, Director of the TIDE Centre at the University of Oxford, to explore whether durable carbon dioxide removal can become a credible green industrialisation pathway for the Global South.Recorded on January 19, the conversation builds on a recent working paper authored by Sebastian Manhart and Raphael Cario in collaboration with the TIDE Centre examining how carbon removal could move beyond a niche climate instrument and instead support jobs, exports, and long-term economic development in developing economies. Amir explains why environmental policy alone often fails, and why climate action must be embedded in green industrial policy to deliver real livelihoods and political durability.The episode dives into the concept of green windows of opportunity, what Global South countries can learn from past green industrialisation efforts, and how CDR differs from earlier sectors like renewables or green hydrogen. The discussion also tackles key risks, including extractive development models, over-reliance on imported technology, and dependence on a narrow set of buyers in the Global North.Together, the hosts unpack what it would actually take for CDR to support local value creation—from capability building and regulation to demand creation and export strategy—and why getting this right matters not just for climate outcomes, but for development, equity, and long-term political support for climate action.”
YOUTUBE VIDEOSHow Big Ideas Scale: Lessons from XPRIZE and CarbonCure on Coordinating Innovation | Calgary Innovat | Platform Calgary “What if solving the world’s toughest challenges also unlocked new industries, markets, and partnerships? This session explores how global XPRIZE competitions bring together innovators, researchers, and companies to tackle audacious goals — and how Canada’s new national hub is connecting our ecosystem to those opportunities. As a live example of that mission in action, the conversation will spotlight CarbonCure — a Canadian clean-tech company that turned captured CO₂ into a global construction solution. With insights from Calgary-based Interim CEO Kristal Kaye on how coordination, not just invention, fuels breakthrough innovation and how smart policy, procurement, and the right market levers can turn sustainability into economic opportunity.”
Pigou’s Advice and Sisyphus’ Warning: Pricing Non-Permanent Carbon Removal | Remove and Reflect Podcast “This episode covers a research paper that analyzed optimal economic policies for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), specifically focusing on the challenges posed by non-permanent storage technologies. The authors argue that while temporary carbon sequestration can reduce immediate climate mitigation costs, it creates a perpetual “carbon debt” because released emissions must be repeatedly captured. To address this, they introduce the Social Cost of Carbon Removal (SCCR), a metric measuring the future damage caused when stored carbon eventually leaks back into the atmosphere. The text evaluates three primary policy frameworks—downstream pricing, upstream subsidies, and stock-based incentives—based on their effectiveness in managing liability and monitoring requirements. Ultimately, the study concludes that non-permanent CDR serves as a vital bridge technology during the transition to a carbon-neutral economy but does not alter long-term optimal temperature targets.”
Public-private partnerships in marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) | NOAA Library “Public-private partnerships leverage expertise, resources, and funding across sectors, accelerating research and innovation to accomplish NOAA’s mission. The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) research investment managed by the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program brings together academic researchers, federal scientists, and industry to advance research in mCDR. This panel seminar will share perspectives and lessons learned from these public-private partnerships to give participants a broader understanding of the types of agreements and tools that can be used to structure effective, mutually beneficial research collaborations.”
‘Why climate policy needs to get serious about carbon management’ with Prof Ottmar Edenhofer | Oxford Martin School “Professor Ottmar Edenhofer examines why large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is essential for meeting climate targets and establishing a third pillar of climate policy alongside abatement and adaptation. The main barriers to technology development and deployment are institutional, economic, and political. He presents market and governance solutions, including innovative “clean-up certificates” and a European Carbon Central Bank to manage net-negative emissions within carbon market frameworks. By “cleaning up” the atmosphere, CDR can also help reduce free-riding incentives in international climate co-operation. Professor Edenhofer identifies planetary carbon management as the central challenge of 21st-century climate policy.”
Regional Perspectives on mCDR along the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and British Columbia | Ocean Science Trust “This webinar will provide a regional overview of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) activities along the North American Pacific Coast. Speakers will highlight regional climate goals, policy landscapes, science priorities, and ongoing mCDR projects in Alaska, Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, and California. The session will explore how regional actors and institutions are advancing research, community engagement, policy development, and more. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session, offering participants the chance to engage directly with speakers on emerging needs, challenges, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration.”
How Nature Removes Massive Amounts of CO2 | Clean Power Hour | Foundation for Climate Restoration Weekly Carbon Removal Updates from 19 January - 25 January 2026 | Carbon Removal Updates BulletinDEADLINESFollow us on:Twitter | Bluesky | LinkedIn | YouTube | Substack | Podcast 1 | Podcast 2
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