Scientific literature on carbon dioxide removal revealed as much larger through AI-enhanced systematic mapping
Abstract
Abstract Carbon dioxide removal plays an important role in any strategy to limit global warming to well below 2 °C. Keeping abreast with the scientific evidence using rigorous evidence synthesis methods is an important prerequisite for sustainably scaling these methods. Here, we use artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive systematic map of carbon dioxide removal research. We find a total of 28,976 studies on carbon dioxide removal—3–4 times more than previously suggested. Growth in research is faster than for the field of climate change research as a whole, but very concentrated in specific areas—such as biochar, certain research methods like lab and field experiments, and particular regions like China. Patterns of carbon dioxide removal research contrast with trends in patenting and deployment, highlighting the differing development stages of these technologies. As carbon dioxide removal gains importance for the Paris climate goals, our systematic map can support rigorous evidence synthesis for the IPCC and other assessments.
Article Details
Authors (26)
Sarah Lück
Max Callaghan
Malgorzata Borchers
Annette Cowie
Sabine Fuss
Matthew Gidden
Jens Hartmann
Claudia Kammann
David P. Keller
Florian Kraxner
William F. Lamb
Niall Mac Dowell
Finn Müller-Hansen
Gregory F. Nemet
Benedict S. Probst
Phil Renforth
Tim Repke
Wilfried Rickels
Ingrid Schulte
Pete Smith
Stephen M. Smith
Daniela Thrän
Tiffany G. Troxler
Volker Sick
Mijndert van der Spek
Jan C. Minx