National carbon removal policies at a glance - what progress have we made so far?
Looking across the European continent, it’s hard to know whether we’re making progress on implementing policies that will speed up the deployment of carbon dioxide? removal (CDR). The policy landscape is so rapidly evolving it's hard to keep track, but it’s clear that CDR will be pivotal for reaching net zero. Over the past months, I, along with others in the Carbon Gap team, have been working to analyse Europe’s largest economies and key CDR actors across eight key indicators in the hopes of getting a more general overview of our progress so far and what needs to change to? maximise Europe’s contribution to the rapid and responsible global scale-up of carbon dioxide removal.?
The current state of play?
Based on our analysis, it’s clear that some policy areas are more advanced than others. For example, there have been recent efforts in developing CO2 physical infrastructure for storing and transporting carbon, suggesting that the backbone of CDR deployment is taking shape. Yet other policy areas, especially those related to just governance, are lagging far behind. Some of the lowest ranking areas are related to setting separate targets for emissions reductions and carbon removal, safeguards against potential social, environmental, and climate harms, and encouraging public participation in decision-making processes related to CDR.?
Perhaps most concerning is the notable lack of deployment incentives for durable CDR solutions. This gap could significantly hamper the development and scaling of the durable carbon removal technologies that we urgently need.?
Yet despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs; most countries have well-established net neutrality targets with clearly defined intermediate targets, and they are starting to develop dedicated CDR and/or (industrial) carbon management strategies. These promising developments show areas where policy frameworks are maturing, but there is still much work to be done as no single geography scored highly across all areas.??
Why tracking the EU’s progress is imminently important?
This month, the EU commission will launch its Clean Industrial Deal (CID) where it will outline its strategy for increasing competitiveness and ensuring that the EU remains a leader in reaching net zero. Understanding the current CDR policy landscape helps push for stronger policies that support the EU Commission's competitiveness goals.?
That’s why, over the past months, we’ve been working to add this policy analysis to the new Carbon Removal Policy Tracker.? The aim is to keep tabs on current policy developments in CDR so we can target our efforts toward filling any critical gaps that develop or persist in national policy frameworks. The platform helps create an overall trajectory for CDR policy; it compares different approaches to CDR deployment to accelerate the learning curve for all stakeholders and align their efforts based on emerging trends and requirements.???
Looking Ahead?
The disparities in our current policy landscape – particularly the relatively strong showing in developing a CO2 physical infrastructure versus the weaker performance in governance and incentives – highlight the need for a more balanced approach to CDR policy development.?
As we move forward, closing these gaps will be crucial. Special attention should be paid to:?
The ongoing evolution of CDR policy requires constant vigilance and regular assessment. Only through continued tracking and analysis can we ensure that policy frameworks develop in a way that supports the scale and quality of carbon removal needed to meet our climate objectives.?
We will launch the CDR Policy Tracker Progress on 18 February on our Carbon Removal Policy Tracker. Join us online.?
By Alexis Dunand - Associate Policy Lead?