The global net-zero transition necessitates the active integration of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) strategies alongside emission reductions. However, with CDR emerging as a finite resource, a clearer understanding of its availability, equitable distribution, and potential applications is critical. This symposium will focus on the Carbon Removal Budget (CRB) as a conceptual and practical tool to forecast, allocate, and manage the finite global potential of CDR in achieving and sustaining net-zero and net-negative emissions targets.

This interdisciplinary gathering will explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of CRB, addressing the need to scale CDR technologies and integrate equitable principles for distribution across geographies, actors, and sectors.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: April 30, 2025
• Full Papers Due: June 30, 2025
• Symposium Date: July 31, 2025, Rhodes House, Oxford

Key Topics

We invite submissions addressing (but not limited to):

• Defining the Carbon Removal Budget: Conceptual frameworks and methodologies for estimating CDR supply and demand in line with Paris-aligned pathways.
• Equity and Governance of the Carbon Removal Budget: Principles for the equitable distribution of the CRB among nations, regions, and sectors, and strategies for mitigating socio-economic disparities whilst maximising potential outreach.
• Embedding Carbon Removal Budgeting into Climate Governance: Exploring how the CRB can be embedded into international, national and local policy frameworks and processes.
• Utilisation Pathways: Optimal strategies for allocating CDR resources, including pricing models, sectoral applications, and future market mechanisms.
• National Carbon Removal Budgets: Quantitative and qualitative assessments of national carbon removal budgets and the implications thereof.
• Carbon Removal Budgeting for Corporates and Financial Institutions: Exploring the application of CRBs at an organisational or institutional level.

Submission Guidelines

We invite abstracts of 300-500 words which clearly outline the focus of the research, its methodology, key findings, and relevance to the symposium’s themes. Submissions should also include the author’s name, affiliation, and contact details as well as an indication of whether the applicant intends to attend in Oxford or present virtually.

Submission Process

Please submit your abstract to injy.johnstone@smithschool.ox.ac.uk with the subject line “CRB Symposium Call for Papers Submission–LASTNAME.” Join us in shaping the future of carbon removal research and policy at this pivotal symposium.

For further information please contact injy.johnstone@smithschool.ox.ac.uk

Registration

Further information about how to register to attend the Symposium will be available in due course.