A new report presented at a Milan conference reveals that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) currently offsets only about 5 percent of global annual CO2 emissions, with 99.9 percent of that coming from natural methods like tree planting. Innovative techniques such as direct air capture and biochar remain marginal, removing just 2 million tonnes of CO2 last year against over 40 billion tonnes emitted. Costs above $200 per tonne far exceed current carbon prices, stalling deployment. Scientists warn that interest in CDR has dropped sharply since 2024, driven by political shifts and global conflicts. They stress that emissions reductions must remain the priority, with CDR reserved for residual emissions. Scaling these technologies requires billions in investment and stronger government procurement. Without faster action, the gap between removal capacity and climate goals will keep widening.
