The 2nd edition of the “State of Carbon Dioxide Removal” report is now out. Together with Holly Jean Buck I led the chapter on policymaking and governance of the report. Among other things, we highlight the ambiguities around residual emissions and the need for safeguards. The chapter also provides case studies on Canada, China, Japan, and Saudi-Arabia.

Key messages:

▶️ CDR policy gained momentum in 2023, but important policy and governance ambiguities (e.g. on residual emissions) remain.

▶️ At the international level, CDR received considerable attention at the sidelines of the COP 28 negotiation process (side events, reports, launch of new cooperation); however, its presence in official negotiations was limited.

▶️ National and subnational policies have progressed towards regulating and establishing incentives for initial novel CDR deployment projects, as well as to funding research and development.

▶️ Safeguards against harms from improper deployment need more focus in future CDR governance.

▶️ Case studies on Canada, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia show that CDR is embedded in broader policy landscapes (e.g. agricultural or industrial policy) which address some CDR policy needs but that dedicated CDR policies are also needed

▶️ A better understanding of specific national contexts can help inform and instigate new initiatives and provide opportunities for future

The report and its key messages are available here: https://www.stateofcdr.org