As the global community grapples with the urgent challenge of climate change, advancing our collective understanding of carbon dioxide removal options is crucial. The need to explore innovative strategies to mitigate atmospheric CO2 levels has never been more pressing. Recent advancements have included enhanced mineralization processes, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and the development of direct air capture technologies. On the other hand, understanding ecosystem feedback on carbon sequestration is essential to accurately measure and analyze carbon emissions versus sequestration processes in response to climate change and anthropogenic activities. These innovations highlight the potential for effective carbon dioxide removal solutions to play a vital role in meeting climate targets and fulfilling commitments to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

Looking to the future, ongoing research in CO2 removal could lead to breakthroughs in scalable methods that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable. We may witness the emergence of advanced biological systems that enhance natural carbon sinks or novel engineering approaches that integrate renewable energy sources into carbon management strategies. Such advancements will not only contribute to mitigating climate change but also support global efforts to achieve SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resilient ecosystems.

We invite researchers to contribute to this Special Collection. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Enhanced mineralization techniques

• Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)

• Direct air capture technologies (DAC) and hybrid capture systems

• Ocean-based carbon removal strategies

• Soil carbon sequestration methods and climate-smart land management practices

• Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon fluxes and sequestration pathways

• Policy frameworks for carbon management and land-use strategies

• Life cycle assessments (LCA) of CO2 removal approaches

• Carbon management for different sectors

• Industrial sector related strategy and technology for carbon removal

• Economic viability of carbon removal technologies.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 13, Climate Action and SDG 15, Life on Land.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

Carbon Balance and Management is calling for submissions to our Collection on the carbon policy landscape, integrating science, economics, and ethics for sustainable solutions.

The global urgency to address climate change has intensified the need for robust carbon policies that harmonize scientific insights, economic viability, and ethical considerations. Current policy frameworks often struggle to balance emission reduction targets with socioeconomic equity, technological feasibility, and cross-border cooperation. This Special Collection aims to bridge disciplinary divides by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on carbon governance, emphasizing actionable pathways for achieving carbon neutrality while safeguarding sustainable development. Amidst the critical threshold of global warming (the 1.5 °C target under the Paris Agreement), carbon policies must urgently address climate justice, multilateral governance, and technology transfer. International collaboration—through bodies like the UNFCCC, IPCC, and regional blocs—is essential to reconcile divergent national interests and accelerate equitable decarbonization.

This Collection innovates by synthesizing three critical dimensions—science (climate modeling, carbon sequestration), economics (cost-benefit analysis, market mechanisms), and ethics (distributive justice, intergenerational equity)—to evaluate carbon policies holistically. It will explore emerging topics such as:

• Carbon policy design: Regulatory instruments, carbon taxation, and international agreements

• Carbon market mechanisms: Emissions trading systems, offset protocols, and market liquidity

• Energy transition: Renewable integration, fossil fuel phase-out, and green technology adoption, transition justice and equity

• Dual carbon goals (peaking emissions & achieving neutrality): Sectoral strategies, regional disparities, and timeline optimization

• Policy impacts: Economic growth, energy security, environmental co-benefits, and Sustainable development goal (SDG) alignment

• Climate thresholds & Policy alignment: Strategies for aligning national carbon policies with 1.5°C pathways, including carbon budget allocation and resilience planning

• Transnational cooperation: Case studies on cross-border initiatives (e.g., EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement) and the role of multilateral institutions in scaling climate finance.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 7, Affordable & Clean Energy, SDG 8, Decent Work, SDG 9, Industry & Innovation, SDG 13, Climate actions, and SDG 17, Partnership for the Goals.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.