
Carbon Removal Newsroom
A panel show where guests discuss current events from the world of carbon removal.
Please note that this is the legacy feed for the show from when it was produced by Nori.
Latest episodes

Mar 19, 2024 • 43min
What Does It Mean When Oil Majors Buy Biochar?
Do carbon removal suppliers and registries have a responsibility in choosing their customers, or in enforcing how their carbon removals are used? Is it better that the money go to carbon removal than alternative uses? What matters, and at which magnitudes?
In today's episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, host Radhika Moolgavkar, Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology, is joined by her business panelists Susan Su, a venture capitalist at Toba Capital, and Na'im Merchant, the Co-founder and Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada.
A spirited debate ensues about Shell Environmental Product's purchase of biochar credits, SWISS and Lufthansa Group's support of Climeworks, as well as the Copenhagen Airport's carbon removal portfolio purchase from Klimate.co. This type of industry interest in carbon removal, while directionally correct, can trigger debate within the carbon removal community. Many are happy for the support in scaling the new industry. Others worry it is better to maintain CDR's independence. This question is unlikely to be settled any time soon, but tune in and listen to some hot and yet considered takes on the matter.
On This Episode
Radhika Moolgavkar
Susan Su
Na'im Merchant
Resources
The ETH Zürich report on DAC costs
Robert Höglund's response
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account

Mar 12, 2024 • 25min
The Rise of Climate Law within Carbon Removal
Law structures so much of our lives, but can feel inaccessible to those untrained. It is also in flux! How is the law being changed in response to climate change? Which laws can be adapted to suit our climate-changing country and world? And which are unprepared for new challenges?
Today's episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom is hosted by Radhika Moolgavkar, Nori's VP of Supply and Methodology. She is joined by Romany Webb, the Deputy Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at the Columbia Law School.
They discuss the evolving field of climate law, its critical role in the development of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, and the unique legal challenges presented by ocean-based CDR methods. Webb highlights the growing interest among law students in climate technology and emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks in addressing climate change. The conversation delves into the complexities of international and local laws governing oceans, the innovative concept of Community Benefits Agreements for climate projects, and the positive feedback on model law proposals intended to regulate CDR activities safely.
The episode underscores the necessity of a diverse portfolio of CDR solutions to combat the climate crisis and explores the legal opportunities and challenges facing the CDR industry’s advancement.
On This Episode
Radhika Moolgavkar
Romany Webb
Resources
Sabin Center for Change Law at the Columbia Law School
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account

Mar 5, 2024 • 24min
Biotech Trees w/ Living Carbon
Discover how Living Carbon is revolutionizing carbon capture with biotech trees designed for optimal efficiency and resilience. Learn about the innovative use of CRISPR technology and C4 photosynthesis to enhance carbon drawdown. Explore the challenges and benefits of genetically engineered trees, and the importance of community engagement in advancing carbon solutions.

Feb 26, 2024 • 35min
New CDR Developments in the EU
A lot has been happening in Europe lately.To break it all down for us, we’re joined by Sebastian Manhart, senior policy advisor at Carbonfuture and Initiator and Chair of the DVNE, Germany's CDR association.The episode discusses three major topics: 1) The good, the bad, and the surprising news from the concluded trilog negotiations on the Carbon Removal Certification Framework - how did reductions make it in there?2) The EU’s proposed 2040 emissions targets which quantifies the cost of inaction at 2.4 trillion euros.
3) The Green Claims Directive, which aims to address a critical issue: 53 percent of all environmental claims in Europe are misleading, and 40 percent are unfounded.Enjoy this power session on EU policy!
On This Episode
Radhika MoolgavkarSebastian Manhart
Resources
The Carbon Removal Certification Framework: Europe's Blueprint for Net-Zero
From Greenwashing to Green Trust: The State of European Environmental Claims Regulation
Understanding Carbon Removal Policy Across Europe: An Exclusive Analysis
Tech openness letter signed by 350 companies
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account

Feb 13, 2024 • 34min
Is Large-Scale CDR Sustainable?
Is Large-Scale CDR Sustainable?
Two recent journal publications point to potential risks associated with large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Is 10 gigatons annually a realistic and sustainable target? Should we aim for 1 gigaton, or could 28 be feasible? What land use and energy limitations are inherent in large-scale CDR, and what policy measures could ensure a just and scientifically rigorous implementation of this emerging technology?
In this episode, our Policy Panel discusses both the potential pitfalls and the potential necessity of large-scale carbon removal, as humanity continues to emit over 40 gigatons of CO2 annually (and counting).
A must-listen for those who question the viability of CDR as well as those who believe in the "gigatons or bust" approach.
On This Episode
Wil Burns
Holly Jean Buck
Radhika Moolgavkar
Resources
Science paperEnvironmental Science & Technology paperHolly's book Ending Fossil Fuels
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account

Feb 6, 2024 • 35min
Photochemical Carbon Removal w/Banyu Carbon
What is Photochemical Carbon Removal?
In this episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom we learn how two professors from the University of Washington went from studying coral on the late Marlon Brando’s private island, to developing an energy efficient process that removes carbon dioxide from the ocean.
Join co-founders Dr. Alex Gagnon and Dr. Julian Sachs of Banyu Carbon, as they dissect their groundbreaking photochemical process. Learn how carbon dioxide is the most abundant dissolved gas in water, making it a more concentrated source than ambient air.
Discover the scalability of photochemical CDR, and why Banyu’s been gaining so much momentum lately. Could Banyu’s process end up being energy negative? In other words, will it produce more energy than is actually required to remove the carbon?
Listen now.
*A special Thank You from our guests to the Seeley Family:
“Thank you to David Seeley and his father who brought Tetiaroa to our attention in 2014 and encouraged us to take advantage of the pristine coral ecosystem there for our research. The Seeley family generously supported our research and that of several others ever since. A kind, fun, and remarkable family we are grateful to have worked with.”
On This Episode
Alex Gagnon
Julian Sachs
Radhika Moolgavkar
Resources
Banyu Carbon
DOE Voucher Program
University of Washington marine research on Tetiaroa
Activate FellowshipOcean Visions Launchpad
Tetiaroa Society
The Brando resort
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account

Jan 24, 2024 • 39min
Can CDR weather the climate tech downturn
How’s the CDR economic outlook for 2024?
Sightline Climate recently reported that investment for the entire climate tech industry dropped 30% in 2023. Similarly, Pitchdeck released a report specifically outlining carbon removal's recent dip in VC funding. However, Captura just announced a $21.5 million Series A raise.
So is CDR immune to the climate tech investing downturn?
In this episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, we talk about market responses to uncertainty, the role of large offtake agreements as funding mechanisms, and what stage governments are currently at in their carbon removal journeys.
Tune in to hear about the latest CDR Market Outlook Survey, Kenya’s proposed 15-25% carbon credit export tax, and if what we really need are some experienced solar folks to jump into the CDR waters.
On This Episode
Susan Su
Na’im Merchant
Radhika Moolgavkar
Resources
CDR Market Outlook SurveyCTVC market reportPitchdeck reportKenya’s proposed taxCarbon Removal Canada
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme X account

Jan 16, 2024 • 33min
New CDR Policy and Resources in 2024
What's new in carbon removal? Join us for the 2024 Carbon Removal Newsroom kickoff!
Will 2024 see the emergence of universal carbon market standards? December saw a coalition formed by leading regulatory bodies.
We unpack the implications of California Bill 1305. How does this legislation mandate transparency in voluntary carbon offset marketing? What could this mean for combating greenwashing and ensuring data reliability?
The EPA resources for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) and marine solar radiation management (mSRM) are now online. How do these resources address environmental risks, and what regulatory responsibilities are outlined for safe implementation?How might common principles for high-quality carbon credits reshape industry practices, and what's the significance of transparency and public participation in this process?
Join us as our policy panel takes a look at what’s cooking for CDR in 2024.
On This Episode
Wil Burns
Holly Jean Buck
Radhika Moolgavkar
Resources
Article 6.4 Mechanism
Crediting Program joint statement California Bill 1305
EPA MPRSA
The London Convention
mCDR and mSRM online resources
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s X account
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate ChangeNori’s CDR meme X account

Dec 19, 2023 • 34min
Carbon Removal at COP28 + 2023's CDR Wrapped
The world’s annual climate summit, COP28, has wrapped up in Dubai. As usual, the massive gathering will end without an all-encompassing deal to fix the climate, but with many new side deals, pledges, and announcements that are very relevant to our climate future.
Boosters and critics alike will all find lots of fodder from the past few weeks, and for better or worse carbon removal played a role in the deliberations.
On this episode, our policy panel reflects on the role CDR played at COP, and catch up on some other major industry news as we wrap up 2023 including-
-The COP deal to “transition from fossil fuels”
-Why the Article 6.4 rules on offsets were postponed
-Which countries committed to going “carbon-negative” at COP28
-Record climate capital deployed all over the world
-“Carbon Removals at COP” coalition
-Frontier’s record CDR purchase from Lithos
-The Road to Removals report
-& the panels highlights of 2023 and what they hope to see in CDR in 2024
On This Episode
Holly Jean Buck
Wil Burns
Radhika Moolgavkar
Resources
‘Unabated’ fossil fuel debate
Holly’s book “Ending Fossil Fuels”
COP’s fossil fuel pledge
Record capital deployed
Carbon Removals at COP
Frontier’s purchase from Lithos
Road to Removal report
RMI’s new CDR innovation report
AGU Conference
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s Twitter
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme twitter account

Dec 12, 2023 • 35min
Progress on Woody Biomass Burial
Biomass burial is a CDR methodology that we haven’t yet dug into on our show. Compared to some CDR techniques, biomass burial is a surprisingly simple approach. It involves burying wood trimmings underground to prevent decomposition and thus, the release of carbon back into the atmosphere.
Our guests today are Ning Zeng, a professor at the University of Maryland and founder of Carbon Lockdown, and Daniel Sanchez, chief scientist for biomass carbon removal and storage at Carbon Direct.
They are both developing this methodology which attempts to take advantage of nature's ability to capture CO2 in trees. By creating wood vaults in a underground oxygen-free environment - they aim to preserve carbon for potentially thousands of years.
This method has begun to garner attention from investors, offset marketplaces like Puro, and the media.
On this episode we'll explore the science behind biomass burial, its potential impact on reducing atmospheric CO2, and how it fits into the larger CDR portfolio.
On This Episode
Ning Zeng
Daniel Sanchez
Radhika Moolgavkar
Resources
Carbon Lockdown
Ning’s academic work on Wood Vault approach
Puro listing for Carbon Lockdown Potomac project
Greenbiz article about woody biomass burial
Implementation Guidance
Connect with Nori
Nori
Nori’s Twitter
Nori’s other podcast Reversing Climate Change
Nori’s CDR meme twitter account
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