Carbon removal support is tempered by concerns over whether biological methods are worth it

Cox, Emily ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8169-3691, Waller, Laurie, Palmer, James and Bellamy, Rob 2025. Carbon removal support is tempered by concerns over whether biological methods are worth it. Communications Earth & Environment 6 (1) , 711. 10.1038/s43247-025-02654-x

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Abstract

Biological carbon removal has been proposed as a ‘win-win’ for climate, sustainability and public opinion, but research on public perceptions is lacking explicit evidence on trade-offs between options. Here we explore perceptions using small group deliberation (n60) plus a nationally representative survey (n2027) in the UK’s four jurisdictions. We find a strong preference for carbon removal to play a substantial role in meeting national climate targets, stemming from persistent scepticism about emissions reductions and behaviour change. However, such support was tempered with caution about whether certain biological techniques - biochar, peatland restoration, and perennial biomass crops - would be “worth it”. In particular, concerns were raised about life-cycle emissions, as well as land competition with urgent housing needs, and scientific uncertainty around novel techniques such as biochar. While we find that responses to carbon removal tend to shift the burden of responsibility for climate action away from individuals, we also identify region-specific discourses, highlighting the importance of local context in shaping public views.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Type: open-access
Publisher:	Nature Research
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	3 September 2025
Date of Acceptance:	31 July 2025
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2025 08:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180850

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