Study points to Africa and South America as ‘blindspot’ in carbon removal research

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study highlights significant gaps in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) research focused on Africa and South America, despite many planned CDR initiatives in these regions
• The study was conducted by experts from the Grantham Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change

🔭 The context: Carbon dioxide removal is vital for meeting global greenhouse gas reduction targets, encompassing methods like reforestation, soil carbon enhancement, and advanced technologies such as carbon capture and storage
• However, research has primarily concentrated on Europe and Asia, neglecting these key areas

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The underrepresentation of Africa and South America in CDR research is pivotal since these regions are crucial for the deployment of such technologies
• Ignoring these areas could undermine the effectiveness and equitable distribution of CDR initiatives globally

⏭️ What's next: The authors call for a nuanced approach to CDR research that considers the unique environmental, social, and economic contexts of Africa and South America
• They emphasize the need for a balanced assessment of the benefits and drawbacks to ensure sustainable and effective CDR strategies

💬 One quote: "The underrepresentation of Africa and South America in the scientific literature is critical since these regions are considered essential for CDR deployment," said Ruben Prütz, lead author

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