Carbon removal technologies are increasingly seen as necessary for tackling climate change. Yet, with growing enthusiasm surrounding these innovations comes an important question: Has the hype gone too far? In a new Carbon Gap report titled ‘Advancing Carbon Removal Beyond the Hype Cycle’, Julie Gosalvez explores this question, offering a roadmap to navigate the current excitement and move towards scalable, impactful solutions.

The report draws on Gartner’s Hype Cycle framework to examine the trajectory of new technologies. Typically, innovations hit a peak of inflated expectations before entering the “trough of disillusionment”. Carbon removal now finds itself at this pivotal stage, where promises must be turned into measurable action.  

As Greg De Temmerman, Deputy CEO and Chief Science Officer at Quadrature Climate Foundation, highlights in the report’s foreword:

“Achieving net-zero emissions is fundamental to stabilising our climate, and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) represents the ‘net’ in net-zero. While the exact amount of durable carbon removal needed by 2050 remains uncertain, projections estimate it will be in the billions of tons annually by mid-century. Getting there will be one of the greatest challenges of our generation—particularly given the current lack of economic incentives. But we have no choice: it is a challenge we must overcome.”

While carbon removal is still a nascent industry, the report identifies four priorities for bridging the gap between hype and reality:

1. Stimulating demand: Scaling carbon removal requires robust, actionable plans to drive demand across sectors. The public sector has a crucial role to play in sending stable, long-term signals that foster confidence and investment.
2. Propelling technological progress: Breakthrough innovations are essential to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and improve the scalability of carbon removal solutions. Industry leaders must prioritise research and development to accelerate progress.
3. Driving transparency: The industry has a responsibility to move beyond buzzwords and ensure transparent communication about the opportunities and challenges of carbon removal. Building credibility will require measurable results and open dialogue.
4. Facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration: Realising carbon removal’s potential demands collective action across industries, government, and civil society. The private sector must take an active, responsible role in driving this collaboration, fostering partnerships that avoid an implosion of the current hype bubble.

The report—using data from CDR.fyi and RMI and supported by Quadrature Climate Foundation—outlines a path forward. Turning carbon removal into a viable climate solution will require bold action, realistic expectations, and collaboration across sectors.

To explore the full analysis and learn how carbon removal can move beyond the hype to become a reliable climate solution, read the full publication here.