In the race to meet the Paris Agreement’s climate goals, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. A recent study published in *Environmental Research Letters*—the English translation of the journal’s title—sheds light on the global funding landscape for CDR research, revealing trends that could shape the future of climate mitigation strategies.
The study, led by Finn Müller-Hansen from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), analyzed over 6,000 research grants across twelve different CDR options. The findings highlight a significant increase in funding over the past 30 years, with an annual growth rate of 21%, outpacing even climate science and technology funding.
“Research funding increased strongly over the past 30 years (21% p.a.), more than funding for climate science and technology,” Müller-Hansen said. “In comparison to carbon capture and storage, CDR receives a higher number of grants, but less total funding, estimated at 4.2 bn$.”
The research reveals that funding is heavily concentrated in Europe and North America, with a strong focus on natural, engineering, and agricultural sciences. However, there is a growing but still modest support for social science research, which is crucial for understanding the societal implications of CDR technologies.
One of the most intriguing findings is the European tendency to fund larger research consortia. “European funding seems to encourage research in larger consortia,” Müller-Hansen noted. This collaborative approach could foster innovation and accelerate the development of effective CDR technologies.
Despite the progress, the study identifies a significant gap: little funding is specifically targeted at CDR. This highlights the potential for strategic initiatives to accelerate innovation in this critical field. As the energy sector seeks new ways to mitigate climate change, understanding these funding patterns and collaboration networks could be key to unlocking the potential of CDR technologies.
The research not only provides a comprehensive view of the current state of CDR funding but also offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and investors. By identifying key organizations and actors in collaboration networks, the study paves the way for more targeted and effective funding strategies.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the findings of this study could shape future developments in the field of carbon removal, offering hope for a more sustainable and resilient future.