JOURNAL: Scientific literature on carbon dioxide removal revealed as much larger through AI-enhanced systematic mapping
Summary
Authors:
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
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
University of New England
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
University of Maryland
University of Hamburg
Hochschule Geisenheim University
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg
University of Leeds
Imperial College London
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition
University of Cambridge
Heriot-Watt University
University College London
Kiel Institute for the World Economy
University of Aberdeen
University of Oxford
Florida International University
University of Michigan
Scientific literature on carbon dioxide removal revealed as much larger through AI-enhanced systematic mapping
Nature communications
July 2025
This paper uses artificial intelligence to map the global body of research on carbon dioxide removal. The study reveals that the field is much larger and faster-growing than previously thought, though research remains heavily concentrated in specific topics, such as biochar, certain experimental methods, and regions like China. It also highlights a mismatch between scientific research, patenting, and real-world deployment, suggesting uneven progress across technologies. This comprehensive map supports future evidence-based assessments to guide effective climate action.