We’re excited to share Puro.earth’s Annual CDR Meta-Map on Policy. The map highlights the progress made by governments, international organisations, and voluntary rule-setters in defining net-zero emissions, thereby creating demand for durable carbon removals to deliver the "net" in net-zero emissions. It also showcases the key initiatives we are engaging with and sharing knowledge on as a carbon crediting program with years of experience certifying carbon removals in the voluntary carbon market.

Puro.earth believes in transparency, which is why we publish the measures we are working on, actively seek feedback, and cultivate discussions about the policy mechanisms that will help deliver the "net" in net-zero emissions. Download your copy today.

Methodology Behind the Meta-Map on Policy

The policy mechanisms selected for our Meta-Map follow the IPCC’s definition of durable carbon removal and cover the following methods: Biochar; Terrestrial Storage of Biomass; Bio-energy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS); Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACS); and Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW). We primarily focus on policies that set quality standards or build demand through compliance mechanisms. Targets or political communications, such as carbon management strategies, research and development, and/or innovation funds, are not included—although a few funds and procurement measures are highlighted in Denmark, Sweden, the US, and Canada. We also don’t include measures supporting the infrastructure for the transportation and geological storage of CO2, though we recognise that this is essential for some durable carbon dioxide removal activities.

We have also excluded Transition Plan rules, such as corporate sustainability reporting requirements, as they are important for transparency but do not yet differentiate between different types of carbon credits or serve as a demand vehicle for durable carbon dioxide removals. We expect this to change next year and hope to provide an overview in 2025.

We also see growth in carbon pricing in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, and look forward to seeing how these systems evolve and integrate durable carbon dioxide removals.

Importantly, we view the map as a work in progress, given the ever-evolving policy landscape. This is why we always welcome suggestions.

Top Ten for 2024

The following initiatives reflect a growing awareness of the need for durable carbon removals to meet climate goals:

• Japan’s GX-ETS will include BECCS and DACS;
• Canada’s CDR Procurement of CAD$10 million;
• The US voluntary carbon market challenge supporting companies buying durable carbon removals;
• The EU’s Carbon Removal Certification Framework enters into implementation;
• The UK is consulting on how to include removals in their emissions trading system from 2028;
• The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) seeks to update its Corporate Net-Zero Standard with respect to interim neutralisation milestones on the pathway to net-zero emissions;
• The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) starts engagements on a net-zero standard;
• Australia is building a biochar methodology for use under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme;
• Sweden’s reverse auction for BECCS support programme is granted state aid approval and launched; 
• And, to round off the year, carbon markets get the green light at COP29. The standard for removals is agreed under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism. Also, extra rules for the trading of mitigation outcomes between countries and into the aviation market – the Carbon Offsetting & Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) – are finalised.
  
  The detailed table of policy measures with links to legislation is available here: 
  

The Role of Policy to Scale Supply and Demand for Durable Carbon Removals

Policy can increase demand for activities that remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it away. The resulting market expansion would make it easier for companies and governments to support durable carbon removal and spark a record number of new projects. Puro.earth believes that trust should be built through rigorous methodologies that set the rules for certifying high-quality carbon removal credits. Therefore, we ask that:

• Governments partner with Puro.earth to set strict criteria ensuring high-quality removals and use existing market infrastructure to enable swift and robust implementation of certification;
• Compliance markets be redesigned for net-zero emissions, not just zero emissions;
• Companies be required to publish clear transition plans, whereby a growing share of residual emissions is neutralised with durable carbon removal from 2030 onwards.

Thank you to the Puro.earth community of suppliers and buyers who have scaled the market for durable carbon dioxide removals. This evidence can feed into policy formation and enable governments and rule-setters to define net-zero emissions, allowing the sector to scale.

Interested in downloading the Puro.earth 2024 CDR Meta-Map on Policy as a high-resolution PDF? Get instant access via this link: https://connect.puro.earth/cdr-meta-map-on-policy

Is your organization ready to include carbon removal in your climate actions? Start here.