At a time when the need for deep, rapid, and sustained emission cuts is indisputable, European governments are increasingly relying on technological, nature-based and mixed-method processes to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. 

Carbon Market Watch analysed the climate strategies and underlying assessments of six European countries – Austria, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, and Norway – and the European Commission. Across the board, an alarming pattern consistently emerges: a heavy reliance on carbon dioxide removals (CDR) to achieve climate targets. Moreover, this dependence is resting on shaky ground due to a consistent failure to carry out critical feasibility assessments.