CDR as a Key Task for the Future: Science meets Policy in dialogue

Carbon Dioxide Removal as a Part of the Climate Strategy

How can Germany achieve climate neutrality by 2045—and what will happen to the unavoidable residual emissions? What role can carbon dioxide removal (CDR) play in national climate policy—and how can it be implemented in a way that is sustainable, effective, and socially acceptable?

These were the key questions at the heart of the parliamentary breakfast organized by CDRterra and CDRmare. Both are research programs funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Around 30 participants from various parliamentary groups and ministries engaged in an open dialogue about the political urgency and strategic need for advancing CO₂ removal in Germany.

Scientific Insights on Land-Based and Ocean-Based CDR Methods

The event was opened by Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), and Prof. Dr. Andreas Oschlies. Oschlies is co-spokesperson for CDRmare and professor of marine biogeochemical modeling at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel.

“We need need targeted carbon dioxide removal in addition to emissions reduction as a as a key pillar of any serious climate strategy—rooted in science and legitimized by society,” Oschlies stated. He emphasized that no single CDR method will be sufficient to offset residual emissions: “Only through a balanced portfolio of methods can we harness existing removal potential, minimize risks, and create synergies.”

CDR Needs Clear Regulations and a Policy Framework

Dr. Oliver Geden, from the CDRterra synthesis project CDRSynTra and head of the climate policy research cluster at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), highlighted significant regulatory gaps:

“Climate neutrality is not achievable without carbon dioxide removal. Germany plays a pioneering role within the EU in both research and strategy development. For a successful rollout, we now need clear regulatory frameworks—including targeted funding mechanisms and binding rules for crediting CDR toward climate targets.”

Strengthening the Dialogue Between Science and Politics on CDR

In the discussion that followed, participants addressed several key topics. These included the integration of CDR into existing policy instruments, the importance of certification and monitoring, and the societal acceptance of various approaches. A clear takeaway emerged: the political discourse on CDR is still in its early stages. This makes a fact-based, transparent dialogue between science and policymakers all the more crucial.

CDRterra and CDRmare are working together to provide scientifically robust foundations for these debates—aiming to ensure that CO₂ removal becomes not only technologically feasible, but also socially sustainable.

Our key messages on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) at a glance

• CDR must not replace the avoidance and reduction of emissions.
  It should be used as a targeted supplement – specifically where emissions are difficult or impossible to avoid.
• Experts recommend using a portfolio of CDR methods.
  This allows limited removal capacities to be used effectively and helps minimize risks, resolve trade-offs and increase public acceptance through a diversified approach.
• Policymakers should anticipate potential trade-offs and establish frameworks to actively manage both societal and ecological impacts.
• Decisions by policymakers, industry and civil society on which CDR methods to support should be based on the comparative and comprehensive assessments provided by CDRterra and CDRmare.

More information on the joint key messages of CDRterra and CDRmare can be found in the handout (German) distributed at the event.