Carbon management has emerged as a vital yet often contentious strategy for addressing climate change. While some see carbon management as essential for tackling hard-to-abate industries and removing legacy emissions, others fear it may prolong reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, many national and subnational governments remain divided on how aggressively to pursue carbon management — especially when political priorities shift.

When are policies supporting carbon management appropriate? This guiding question reflects a growing need to determine where, when and how carbon management can best complement the broader clean energy transition. Achieving reliable, affordable clean energy systems — while also meeting long-term climate goals — will likely require a portfolio of solutions, including carbon management in specific contexts.

The need for a broader lens

Given the complexity and interdependencies involved, carbon management must