Carbon180 is an innovative climate-focused NGO dedicated to developing and advocating for carbon removal solutions to combat climate change. With global temperatures rising and traditional emission reduction strategies falling short, Carbon180's mission is crucial. The organisation works to create a world that removes more carbon than it emits, focusing on both technological and natural carbon removal approaches. This mission is not just about reducing emissions; it's about actively reversing the damage done to our atmosphere, creating new economic opportunities, and ensuring a livable climate for future generations.

How they do it

Carbon180 operates through a multi-faceted approach that combines policy advocacy, business engagement, and innovation support. They work closely with policymakers in Washington D.C. to develop and promote federal policies that support carbon removal technologies and practices. Through their Entrepreneur in Residence program, they nurture and support innovative startups in the carbon removal space. Carbon180 also engages with businesses to encourage adoption of carbon removal practices and technologies. Their Environmental Justice Initiative ensures that carbon removal policies and projects benefit and involve communities most affected by climate change. By producing research reports, policy briefs, and engaging in public education, Carbon180 works to build a broad coalition of carbon removal advocates across various sectors.

Recent achievements

• Played a key role in securing $3.5 billion in federal funding for Direct Air Capture hubs through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
• Launched the Carbon Removal Leadership Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a federal carbon removal certification program.
• Initiated a regranting program to support environmental justice organisations in engaging with carbon removal policy and projects.
• Released "Removing Forward," a comprehensive report on centering equity and justice in carbon removal policy and deployment.

In numbers

• $3.5 billion in federal funding secured for Direct Air Capture hubs
• 700+ appropriations requests prepared and submitted for FY24
• 160+ engagements with Capitol Hill and administration staff in 2023
• $20 billion for USDA land conservation programs in the Inflation Reduction Act

Affected lives

In California's San Joaquin Valley, Carbon180's involvement in the CALDAC coalition is exploring the feasibility of establishing a community-centred Direct Air Capture (DAC) hub. This project aims to not only remove carbon from the atmosphere but also to bring economic benefits and job opportunities to a region historically affected by poor air quality and economic challenges. By engaging local community groups, creating a regionally relevant carbon removal curriculum, and setting up a community oversight council, Carbon180 is ensuring that the voices of those most impacted by climate change are heard in the development of carbon removal projects. This approach demonstrates how carbon removal technologies can be deployed in ways that prioritise community needs, environmental justice, and local economic development.

Team

Carbon180's team is a diverse group of policy experts, scientists, communicators, and advocates united by their commitment to addressing climate change through carbon removal. Executive Director Erin Burns brings valuable experience from her work on energy and labour issues in the U.S. Senate. The team includes PhD scientists, environmental lawyers, and experts in environmental justice, ensuring a comprehensive approach to carbon removal policy. With a mix of backgrounds ranging from startups to government agencies, the team is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between innovative technologies, policy implementation, and community needs. This interdisciplinary expertise allows Carbon180 to approach carbon removal holistically, considering scientific, economic, and social implications in their work to shape effective and equitable climate policy.