© Julia Pongratz
CDRSynTra2
Robust pathways for deploying carbon dioxide removal
Which carbon dioxide removal approaches are realistic, effective, and responsible? CDRSynTra2 consolidates research, evaluates methods and climate mitigation pathways, and translates scientific findings into implementation through dialogue with policymakers and society.
Project management
Prof. Dr. Julia Pongratz
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Projekt duration
11/1/2021 – 06/30/2025Project partner
Prof. Dr. Andreas Oschlies, GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel|Dr. Juliane El Zhobi, Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS) / Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon|Dr. Stefan Schäfer, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS)|Prof. Dr. Imke Hoppe, Dr. Felix Havermann, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München|Prof. Dr. Daniela Thrän, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ |Dr. Jessica Strefler, Prof. Dr. Sabine Fuss, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)|Dr. Nils Meyer-Ohlendorf, Ecologic Institut gGmbH|JProf. Dr. Christian Baatz, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
CDRSynTra2 – How carbon dioxide removal can be meaningfully integrated into climate mitigation pathways
Greenhouse gas neutrality requires more than consistent emission reductions. Scientific studies show that remaining emissions can only be balanced by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. In recent years, CDRterra has built a broad knowledge base for this purpose—now the task is to translate that knowledge into viable and responsible strategies.
CDRSynTra2 is the synthesis and support project for the second phase of CDRterra. It consolidates the results of individual research consortia, systematically contextualizes them, and establishes robust foundations for deploying carbon dioxide removal.
Systematic evaluation, meaningful combinations
A key instrument is an assessment framework developed in Phase 1 that is being specifically expanded and applied in CDRSynTra2. It enables systematic classification of carbon dioxide removal methods—not only in terms of technical effectiveness and political feasibility, but also regarding fair implementation conditions, impacts on ecosystems and society, and cost efficiency.
The focus is on existing and novel methods, combined CDR portfolios, and complete climate mitigation strategies. This makes it possible to harness synergies, transparently identify trade-offs, and derive realistic deployment options.
New methods, broader evidence, international perspective
With the launch of 17 new research consortia, the range of analyzed carbon dioxide removal approaches is expanding significantly. At the same time, CDRSynTra2 links national research with international evidence on carbon dioxide removal and global scientific assessments.
On this basis, low-risk development pathways for Europe and well-founded decision-making foundations for policymakers, business, and society are being developed.
Reliable foundations for policy steering
In addition to evaluating methods and portfolios, CDRSynTra2 is working on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of concepts and methods for measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon dioxide removal (MRV). The aim is to reliably quantify and verify additional carbon dioxide removal, avoid double counting, and make results usable for policy decisions and funding instruments.
Dialogue as the basis for effective CDR policy
Building on the dialogue formats established in Phase 1, CDRSynTra2 researchers systematically bring scientific findings into exchange with policymakers, public administration, and society—because carbon dioxide removal can only be governed effectively if research informs decision-making processes at an early stage. In exchange formats such as the CDR Dialogue, which already brought together key actors from science, policy, and education in Phase 1 and is now continuing, research results are discussed and translated into actionable perspectives.
Making knowledge effective – from research to practice and education
The exchange itself is studied empirically: researchers analyze the comprehensibility of scientific results as well as how different perspectives and interests are addressed. These insights feed directly into the further development of dialogue formats.
In addition, the project develops research-based educational offerings for schools and multipliers that anchor carbon dioxide removal as a core component of education for sustainable development. In this way, CDRSynTra2 connects natural sciences, social sciences, and communication research
CDRSynTra2 – How carbon dioxide removal can be meaningfully integrated into climate mitigation pathways
Greenhouse gas neutrality requires more than consistent emission reductions. Scientific studies show that remaining emissions can only be balanced by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. In recent years, CDRterra has built a broad knowledge base for this purpose—now the task is to translate that knowledge into viable and responsible strategies.
CDRSynTra2 is the synthesis and support project for the second phase of CDRterra. It consolidates the results of individual research consortia, systematically contextualizes them, and establishes robust foundations for deploying carbon dioxide removal.
Systematic evaluation, meaningful combinations
A key instrument is an assessment framework developed in Phase 1 that is being specifically expanded and applied in CDRSynTra2. It enables systematic classification of carbon dioxide removal methods—not only in terms of technical effectiveness and political feasibility, but also regarding fair implementation conditions, impacts on ecosystems and society, and cost efficiency.
The focus is on existing and novel methods, combined CDR portfolios, and complete climate mitigation strategies. This makes it possible to harness synergies, transparently identify trade-offs, and derive realistic deployment options.
New methods, broader evidence, international perspective
With the launch of 17 new research consortia, the range of analyzed carbon dioxide removal approaches is expanding significantly. At the same time, CDRSynTra2 links national research with international evidence on carbon dioxide removal and global scientific assessments.
On this basis, low-risk development pathways for Europe and well-founded decision-making foundations for policymakers, business, and society are being developed.
Reliable foundations for policy steering
In addition to evaluating methods and portfolios, CDRSynTra2 is working on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of concepts and methods for measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon dioxide removal (MRV). The aim is to reliably quantify and verify additional carbon dioxide removal, avoid double counting, and make results usable for policy decisions and funding instruments.
Dialogue as the basis for effective CDR policy
Building on the dialogue formats established in Phase 1, CDRSynTra2 researchers systematically bring scientific findings into exchange with policymakers, public administration, and society—because carbon dioxide removal can only be governed effectively if research informs decision-making processes at an early stage. In exchange formats such as the CDR Dialogue, which already brought together key actors from science, policy, and education in Phase 1 and is now continuing, research results are discussed and translated into actionable perspectives.
Making knowledge effective – from research to practice and education
The exchange itself is studied empirically: researchers analyze the comprehensibility of scientific results as well as how different perspectives and interests are addressed. These insights feed directly into the further development of dialogue formats.
In addition, the project develops research-based educational offerings for schools and multipliers that anchor carbon dioxide removal as a core component of education for sustainable development. In this way, CDRSynTra2 connects natural sciences, social sciences, and communication research
CDRSynTra2 – How carbon dioxide removal can be meaningfully integrated into climate mitigation pathways
Greenhouse gas neutrality requires more than consistent emission reductions. Scientific studies show that remaining emissions can only be balanced by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. In recent years, CDRterra has built a broad knowledge base for this purpose—now the task is to translate that knowledge into viable and responsible strategies.
CDRSynTra2 is the synthesis and support project for the second phase of CDRterra. It consolidates the results of individual research consortia, systematically contextualizes them, and establishes robust foundations for deploying carbon dioxide removal.
Systematic evaluation, meaningful combinations
A key instrument is an assessment framework developed in Phase 1 that is being specifically expanded and applied in CDRSynTra2. It enables systematic classification of carbon dioxide removal methods—not only in terms of technical effectiveness and political feasibility, but also regarding fair implementation conditions, impacts on ecosystems and society, and cost efficiency.
The focus is on existing and novel methods, combined CDR portfolios, and complete climate mitigation strategies. This makes it possible to harness synergies, transparently identify trade-offs, and derive realistic deployment options.
New methods, broader evidence, international perspective
With the launch of 17 new research consortia, the range of analyzed carbon dioxide removal approaches is expanding significantly. At the same time, CDRSynTra2 links national research with international evidence on carbon dioxide removal and global scientific assessments.
On this basis, low-risk development pathways for Europe and well-founded decision-making foundations for policymakers, business, and society are being developed.
Reliable foundations for policy steering
In addition to evaluating methods and portfolios, CDRSynTra2 is working on a comprehensive and systematic assessment of concepts and methods for measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon dioxide removal (MRV). The aim is to reliably quantify and verify additional carbon dioxide removal, avoid double counting, and make results usable for policy decisions and funding instruments.
Dialogue as the basis for effective CDR policy
Building on the dialogue formats established in Phase 1, CDRSynTra2 researchers systematically bring scientific findings into exchange with policymakers, public administration, and society—because carbon dioxide removal can only be governed effectively if research informs decision-making processes at an early stage. In exchange formats such as the CDR Dialogue, which already brought together key actors from science, policy, and education in Phase 1 and is now continuing, research results are discussed and translated into actionable perspectives.
Making knowledge effective – from research to practice and education
The exchange itself is studied empirically: researchers analyze the comprehensibility of scientific results as well as how different perspectives and interests are addressed. These insights feed directly into the further development of dialogue formats.
In addition, the project develops research-based educational offerings for schools and multipliers that anchor carbon dioxide removal as a core component of education for sustainable development. In this way, CDRSynTra2 connects natural sciences, social sciences, and communication research – and strengthens evidence-based, inclusive, and forward-looking decision-making processes.