从大气中吸碳的公共气候事业，如今只剩下几家科技公司在支撑

Core Insights - The carbon removal industry has faced significant challenges, highlighted by the collapse of Running Tide, which aimed to sequester 1 billion tons of CO2 and raised over $50 million [1] - The industry is transitioning from a phase of hype to a reality check, with many companies struggling to survive due to a flawed business model that does not meet immediate consumer or corporate needs [1][2] - The future of carbon removal largely depends on government intervention through policies, subsidies, and mandatory compliance for polluters [2][5] Industry Overview - The rise of the carbon removal industry was driven by climate science warnings indicating that merely reducing emissions is insufficient; proactive carbon removal is necessary [3] - The IPCC's 2022 report suggests that up to 11 billion tons of CO2 may need to be removed annually by mid-century to limit global warming to 2°C [3] - Despite initial enthusiasm and nearly $1 billion in venture capital by 2023, the industry faces structural contradictions, with high costs for durable carbon removal methods [3][4] Market Dynamics - Current market demand is insufficient to support the industry's scale, with only about 38 million tons of carbon removal sold globally, and actual deliveries being less than 1 million tons [4] - The market is heavily reliant on a few major buyers, with Microsoft accounting for 80% of the total procurement, raising concerns about the industry's sustainability [4] - Investment in the carbon removal sector has decreased, with a year-on-year decline of over 13% expected by mid-2025, making it harder for companies without revenue to survive [4][5] Future Prospects - The future of the carbon removal industry hinges on government support, with experts advocating for direct purchases, subsidies, and integration into carbon trading systems [5][6] - Global policy initiatives are emerging, such as the EU's plan to include domestic carbon removal in its emissions trading system by 2030, which could drive demand for carbon removal services [6] - Countries like Canada and Japan are also taking steps to support carbon removal, while the U.S. maintains tax incentives for carbon sequestration [6] Trust and Accountability - The industry faces a "trust crisis," with pressures leading some companies to rush carbon removal claims, risking a repeat of past failures in carbon offsetting [6] - Experts call for stricter verification mechanisms to ensure that claimed carbon removals are legitimate and to build community trust [6] - A fundamental shift in perspective is suggested, viewing carbon removal as a global public good rather than a profit-driven market, with developed nations bearing moral responsibility for funding global carbon cleanup efforts [7]