The possible institutionalisation of the carbon removal budget concept across the UNFCCC, UNCBD, and corporate net-zero strategies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study provides a preliminary qualitative policy analysis exploring the possible institutionalisation of the novel Carbon Removal Budget concept into multilateral decision-making and net-zero target setting. The analysis focuses on enabling and constraining factors for institutionalisation across three domains, namely the multilateral climate and biodiversity regimes under the UNFCCC and the UN Biodiversity Convention, and corporate climate target setting under the Science-Based Targets initiative. The study draws parallels with the framing and institutionalisation of a similar epistemic object - the Carbon Budget concept - into the public discourse in recent years. Our analysis suggests that the institutionalisation of the CRB into these three domains faces both opportunities and challenges, and that recognition will play a key role. The UNFCCC appears to be the most fertile institutional ground for such policy development. While the UN Biodiversity regime appears less prepared to offer a holistic platform for institutionalising the concept, linkages can be built around goals listed in the Kunming-Montreal Framework specifically for most nature-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) applications. In the corporate sector, the SBTi draft standard currently under revision presents a timely opportunity to institutionalise the CRB within net-zero strategies, particularly for large, emission-intensive sectors.
Source: Environmental Science & Policy
Authors: Jacopo Bencini, Laura Iozzelli
Institution: European University Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,250
OpenAlex ID: W7160261032