A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

The global CDR Action Network (CDRANet, pronounced see-drah-net) is loose-knit group of scientists, industry leaders, environmental leaders, financers and other key stakeholders who are working together to accelerate global progress toward scaling our ability to remove legacy carbon dioxide pollution from the Earth’s atmosphere. About 275 high-level experts are currently included in this group, spanning 200+ institutions, 35 countries, and 20 different stakeholder groups. Apart from its diversity and expertise, this network is unique and in five other key respects:

  1. CDRANet is focused on CO2 removal. There are many important tangents, like the underground storage of industrial emissions, and the need to address other GHGs like methane, but we are focused on carbon dioxide so we can connect the dots of the CDR ecosystem in the most powerful way possible.
  2. We are action focused, solution agnostic. Our goal isn’t to promote specific solutions, but action — a workable, global approach to scaling CDR now. All aspects of this issue are being addressed — environmental, technical, financial, social, moral-ethical, sustainability, and other vital considerations.
  3. We are global. Every country has their own ideas and priorities, but atmospheric CO2 removal is going to require global cooperation and collaboration. This network brings together a wide range of global actors who are willing to work together now on creating a realistic, global solutions.
  4. We are empowered for action. Network delegates are typically high level representatives of their companies and institutions, in positions of authority to develop policy and not only debate details. And finally,
  5. Our work is ongoing. CDRANet’s mission extends well beyond any single project or initiative. The Vancouver Process itself will develop over many years, and CDRANet’s role will evolve alongside it—while also expanding through new projects, partnerships, and events that advance responsible CDR at scale.

LEADERSHIP

CDRANet is managed by the Science Communication Institute (SCI), a US-based 501c3 nonprofit public charity. Several leadership groups also exist within CDRANet: The CDRANet Steering Committee, Policy Review Committee, Transition Committee, and Permanent Advisory Committee, and the Vancouver Process Expert Advisor Group.

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SCIENCE-BUILT, DIPLOMACY-LED CIVIC ACTION

CDRANet’s approach aims for immediate and realistic progress on CDR policy through science-built civic action instead of relying solely on formal diplomatic channels that have not moved with nearly enough speed. There is extensive historical precedent for efforts like this, where scientists, nonprofits, trade groups, and/or businesses work together to establish new paradigms in human rights, medical research, technology standards, and more.

CURRENT priorities

  1. ✅ Manage the work of the Vancouver Interim Secretariat: The secretariat will manage the Vancouver Process–the dialogue we are coordinating between governments on how to improve government action and multilateral collaboration on CDR.
  2. ✅ Expand outreach and engagement: CDRANet is also continuing its outreach to governments, inviting them to participate in the expanding Vancouver Process.
  3. Pursue sub-initiatives like the West Coast CDR Compact. Many important side-projects will spin off of this work. We’ll do our best to make sure these can be pursued along with our core work agenda.

INTO THE FUTURE

The world needs to make steady progress on scaling CDR to the 10 gigaton/year level (or maybe much more). We won’t reach this goal, however, by working in silos. We need more unifying glue to help connect the world’s CDR policies and efforts, and to help provide a common framework for action. CDRANet will continue to hold out this goal as its primary objective.

There is also a pressing need to mobilize and coordinate government action, which is where the Vancouver Process is focused. To date, CDR policy has focused heavily on market development, while paying comparatively little attention to building global capacity for government leadership, collaboration, and coordinated action. This has been a strategic oversight. Historically, governments have played an indispensable role in creating and scaling the infrastructure that underpins modern society—from electric grids and transportation networks to telecommunications and public health systems. The lesson is simple but consequential: markets and innovation matter, but achieving scale has always required sustained government involvement.