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In recent years, research on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) has significantly increased. Numerous studies have analyzed demonstration projects, outlined scenarios, modeled pathways, or focused on CDR's national or international governance. However, regional case studies investigating the dynamics that may facilitate or impede the broader adoption of CDR methods in spatially explicit settings are critically absent. Understanding implementation contexts on the ground is vital, and comparing them across different removal methods is essential for effectively scaling up CDR. This paper aims to address this research gap by comparatively examining the development of biomass-based CDR in three regions of Germany. Taking an exploratory approach, we conducted surveys in these regions to gain insight into stakeholder perceptions of the following six CDR methods: forest management, agriculture and soil carbon, long-lasting building materials, rewetting of peatlands and paludiculture, biochar, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. In this article, we present the results of the stakeholder survey, which offers multiple perspectives that can shape future studies of regional implementation and yield policy-relevant guidance. Although our research primarily focuses on the regional level in Germany, it sheds light on various conflicts, uncertainties, and potentials that are likely to be relevant for the rollout of CDR in other countries. By examining these aspects, we contribute to the broader discourse on CDR and its potential implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing artificial sand-fixing shrubs is a key measure to curb dune flow and drive changes in the soil stocks and cycling of carbon and nitrogen. But our understanding of these dynamics across years of sand-fixing afforestation and the factors influencing them remains inadequate, making it hard to accurately assess its capacity to sequester carbon. To fill that knowledge gap, this study investigated soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) stocks in Mu Us Desert under artificial sand-fixing shrub stands of different ages (10, 30, 50, and 70 years old) vis-à-vis a mobile sand dune, to determine whether Caragana korshinskii afforestation improved stock characteristics and whether SOC and STN stocks were correlated during the restoration processes. The results showed that the pattern observed is consistent with an increase over time in the stocks of both SOC and STN. At 10, 30, 50, and 70 years, these stocks were found to be 1.8, 2.3, 3.2, and 5.5 times higher for SOC, and 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, and 2.7 times higher for STN, respectively, than those of the control (mobile sand) dune. Stocks of SOC and STN mainly increased significantly in the 0–10 cm soil layer. The SOC stock was correlated positively with the STN stock as well as the C:N ratio. The slope of the regression for the C:N ratio against stand age was positive, increasing slightly faster with afforestation age. Additionally, our findings suggest that during the establishment of artificial stands of shrubs, the size of the STN stock did not expand as fast as the SOC stock, resulting in an asynchronous N supply and demand that likely limits the accumulation of soil organic matter. This research provides important evidence for the sustainable development of desertified ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the Himalayan region, fuelwood serves as a critical energy source for rural communities. Being vital for meeting energy needs, fuelwood combustion is a source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and, consequently, global warming, as well as deforestation and public health damage. Therefore, quantifying fuelwood consumption patterns and its associated CO2 emissions is essential to understand the environmental impact and promote sustainable resource management. Methods: This research conducts an evaluation of fuelwood burning patterns and the associated CO2 emissions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), situated within the western Himalayan region. The study entails an extensive survey of 24 villages representing 240 households, equally distributed between the subtropical and temperate regions, each comprising 120 households. Data collection was executed through a combination of direct queries and the weight survey method, following standard protocols. Results: In the study area, the mean annual fuelwood comsumption per household amounts to 24.28 ± 3.1 Mg (or 3.195 ± 1 Mg capita−1). A variance was observed between subtropical and temperate zones, with the latter exhibiting higher consumption rates. The consequential CO2 emissions were assessed as 41.88 ± 4.5 Mg per household (5.51 ± 0.6 Mg capita−1). On a daily basis, households consumed an average of 66.52 ± 6.4 kg of fuelwood (8.75 ± 1.5 kg capita−1), resulting in a daily CO2 release rate of 114.745 ± 8.6 kg (15.095 ± 2 kg capita−1). The findings unveiled seasonal variations, indicating increased fuelwood consumption and emissions during the winter season. Statistical analysis shed light on the significance of altitude and family size in shaping the patterns of fuelwood use. Conclusions: The results revealed the importance of prioritizing forest conservation and strategically implementing sustainable practices, including reforestation, afforestation, responsible harvesting, and actively promoting sustainable fuel sources. This research highlights the vital role of well-designed policies focused on preserving ecosystems and improving energy management. Policy intervention can ensure the sustainable stewardship of local and regional forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation initiatives are increasingly important in addressing global environmental challenges. This study focuses on the Billion Tree Afforestation Project in Pakistan and investigates the survival and growth of multipurpose species planted under the project in the Dera Ismail Khan Forest Division through a strati$ed random sampling technique. A total of 88 sample plots of 0.1 ha size were taken for 10 plantation sites extended over an area of 461.5 ha. Results showed that the average pit density was 1090 pits/ha, while the regeneration was recorded as 695 individuals/ha. Regarding survival rate, all plantation sites showed the best performance, mostly above 90%. Major species such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis have the highest composition (78%), followed by Acacia nilotica with 14%, while Dalbergia sissoo has the lowest percentage of 7%. The highest growth performance was exhibited by Dalbergia sissoo and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Dalbergia sissoo attained an average girth of 19 cm and a height of 2.8 m. Eucalyptus camaldulensis attained a mean girth of 16.1 cm and 19.3 cm at 24 months and 27 months, respectively, whereas the mean height at 24 months and 27 months was 2.93 m and 2.8 m, respectively. Furthermore, scatterplots were developed for growth rate analysis between height and girth for all measured individual trees and mean values. The highest correlation was shown by Acacia nilotica with 0.81 and 0.99 coe%cient of determination (R²) for overall individual values and mean values. The study concluded that the plantation activities in the study area were successful as all the sites showed good survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, research on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) has significantly increased. Numerous studies have analyzed demonstration projects, outlined scenarios, modeled pathways, or focused on CDR’s national or international governance. However, regional case studies investigating the dynamics that may facilitate or impede the broader adoption of CDR methods in spatially explicit settings are critically absent. Understanding implementation contexts on the ground is vital, and comparing them across different removal methods is essential for effectively scaling up CDR. This paper aims to address this research gap by comparatively examining the development of biomass-based CDR in three regions of Germany. Taking an exploratory approach, we conducted surveys in these regions to gain insight into stakeholder perceptions of the following six CDR methods: forest management, agriculture and soil carbon, long-lasting building materials, rewetting of peatlands and paludiculture, biochar, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. In this article, we present the results of the stakeholder survey, which offers multiple perspectives that can shape future studies of regional implementation and yield policy-relevant guidance. Although our research primarily focuses on the regional level in Germany, it sheds light on various conflicts, uncertainties, and potentials that are likely to be relevant for the rollout of CDR in other countries. By examining these aspects, we contribute to the broader discourse on CDR and its potential implementation.