Carbon removal must scale 300% by 2050 to keep 1.5C target alive, scientists warn

Climate scientists meeting in Milan concluded that global carbon dioxide removal capacity must grow from 2.2 billion tonnes to 8.8 gigatonnes per year by 2050 to stay within the 1.5C warming limit. The current pace of deployment is far too slow, and the window for gradual action has closed. The report highlights that nature-based solutions like tree planting are not enough. Engineered methods such as direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and enhanced rock weathering need rapid commercialization. Key bottlenecks include high energy demand, lack of commercial viability, and the need for trillions in investment. Policymakers face tough trade-offs. BECCS competes with food production for land, and DAC could divert renewable energy from grid decarbonization. The scientists warned against using future removal as an excuse to delay emission cuts now. Developing nations like Kenya could become CDR hubs if technology transfer and climate finance are equitable.