Unsustainable carbon dioxide levels are driving climate change, making Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) critical for achieving net-zero emissions and mitigating environmental risks. South Africa faces significant challenges, including limited governance mechanisms, underdeveloped technology, and knowledge gaps, which hinder effective implementation of CDR solutions. 

Dr. Pedro M.S. Monteiro et al. aimed to outline the rationale and challenges of developing a CDR-focused science–policy platform in Southern Africa. They highlights the need for regionally suited approaches, emphasizing South Africa’s unique geographical and ecological advantages to address global climate goals. The authors take it a step further by proposing establishing a Southern African integrated assessment model (SA-IAM) to coordinate science and policy efforts including (i). leveraging South Africa’s comparative advantages in climate and ecological studies, (ii). developing region-specific policies and governance frameworks to guide CDR interventions, and (iii). bridging the science–policy gap to align regional capabilities with global climate goals. Notably, they’ve outlined:

• Technological Interventions: Current technologies like direct air capture and nature-based solutions are not sufficiently developed for large-scale deployment. Regional strategies can enhance their scalability and efficiency.
• Economic and Ecological Trade-offs: CDR implementations involve significant uncertainties, including biodiversity impacts and the socio-economic costs of adaptation and mitigation.
• Science Challenges: Non-linear feedbacks in land and ocean carbon cycles require high-resolution data to improve confidence in global and regional projections.

This study could position South Africa as a leader in regional and global climate action, fostering a science-driven approach to CDR. By enhancing understanding of land–ocean interactions and feedbacks, the region could contribute substantially to global sustainability efforts.

Do you have a recent publication within the Global South that you would like spotlighted? Share your publication with Makyba Charles-Ayinde at Makyba.charles-ayinde@futureearth.org for a possible feature!