A new report presented at a Milan conference warns that carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is not scaling fast enough to meet climate goals. Current efforts remove only about 5 percent of global annual CO2 emissions, and nearly all of that comes from tree planting. Engineered methods like direct air capture and biochar remain tiny, removing just 2 million tonnes of CO2 last year compared to over 40 billion tonnes emitted. Cost is a major barrier. Most removal methods cost over $200 per tonne of CO2, well above current carbon prices. Researchers say investment in the billions of euros is needed, and that governments will have to step in to buy CDR as a public good. The report also notes that political shifts, including the return of Donald Trump, have reduced interest in the sector in recent years.
