Insights on carbon removal for your net-zero strategy

At Climeworks, we lead the way in science-backed, high-quality carbon removal solutions, designed to help businesses of all sizes achieve their climate goals.

Here’s why we’re your trusted partner:

Hands-on experience
With over a decade of operational expertise, Climeworks has proven its leadership in designing, building, and running cutting-edge Direct Air Capture plants. Our pioneering efforts are shaping the carbon removal market, making us a reliable choice for businesses worldwide. Learn more about our plants and their impact.
Practiced integrity
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of what we do. Climeworks is committed to advancing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) standards throughout the entire industry, ensuring that every ton of CO₂ we remove is quantifiable and permanent. Learn more about the certification of our services and our commitment to quality.
Expert network
Climeworks brings together a robust network of scientific advisors, visionary customers, and knowledgeable investors to drive innovation and scale in carbon removal. This expert network helps us ensure that our solutions are rooted in science and tailored to the needs of businesses large and small.

Our methodology

Climeworks takes a rigorous approach to vetting and assessing carbon removal solutions. By combining latest scientific research/publications with real-world insights, we ensure that every carbon removal solution we offer is:

Effective: demonstrates to remove and store CO₂ permanently.
Reliable: meets stringent quality and MRV standards.
Scalable: ready to support global climate goals.

Whether through Direct Air Capture, other engineered- or nature-based carbon dioxide removal solutions, we carefully evaluate every option to create a tailored portfolio for your net-zero journey. Find more about our methodology.

Scientific Advisory Network (SAN)

The Scientific Advisory Network (SAN) ensures Climeworks stays at the forefront of carbon removal science. It provides:

Cutting-edge insights from academia to expand our CDR Science and Technology team's expertise.
Guidance on evaluating specific CDR approaches and refining our due diligence process.
Expert support for addressing complex evaluation challenges.

The SAN consists of eight external experts, two for each sourced CDR technology, advising Climeworks’ Science team on complex challenges that arise when evaluating potential suppliers and newly emerging technologies. Our advisors are selected for their expertise in non-DAC CDR solutions and maintain objectivity by not receiving any supplier-specific details unless essential. All partnership decisions remain solely with Climeworks.

Meet our experts

Gideon Henderson | Enhanced Rock Weathering

Gideon Henderson has been a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford since 2006. Since 2019 he has also been Chief Scientific Adviser to UK government’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2019. His expertise and extensive research in geochemistry and the carbon cycles make him a valuable Scientific Advisor to Climeworks, particularly in the context of Enhanced Rock Weathering.

Phil Renforth | Enhanced Rock Weathering

Phil Renforth is a Professor at the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK. Prof. Renforth is a judge for the XPRIZE for innovative carbon removal solutions and has contributed to numerous impactful reports and publications in carbon dioxide removal. He and his research group investigate the fundamental chemistry, scalability, engineering practicality and life-cycle impacts of enhanced rock weathering, and other geochemical-based carbon dioxide removal technologies, and is actively involved in on-going research.

Thomas Crowther | Afforestation & Reforestation

Thomas Crowther is a professor at ETH Zurich, where he leads the Crowther Lab, focusing on the interplay between biodiversity and climate change. He founded Restor, an online platform aimed at supporting global restoration initiatives by linking conservation projects worldwide to foster nature-based climate solutions. His extensive research on the global number of trees and the Earth’s restoration potential has established him as a leading and well-respected expert in the field of nature-based carbon removal

Florian Kraxner | Afforestation & Reforestation

Florian Kraxner, a trained forester and mountain risk engineer, is principal research scholar with the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and a Visiting Professor at Korea University in Seoul. He is heading IIASA’s research group on Agriculture, Forestry, and Ecosystem Services (AFE) where he puts emphasis on integrated global landscape modeling and impact assessments of climate change focusing on natural disturbances. His research portfolio includes nature-based, natural climate, and land-based CDR solutions.

Daniela Thrän | Carbon Capture and Storage

Daniela Thrän is a professor and leading expert in bioenergy systems at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the University of Leipzig. She heads the Department of Bioenergy at UFZ, focusing on bio-based negative emissions and sustainable bioeconomy. Her extensive research on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), specifically on managing biomass potentials, positions her as a key authority in the field.

Niall Mac Dowell | Carbon Capture and Storage

Niall Mac Dowell is a professor and leading expert in energy systems engineering at Imperial College London. His interdisciplinary research focuses on integrated multi-scale modeling of low-carbon energy systems, particularly their dynamic interactions and transitions to a low-carbon economy. As a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of both the IChemE and the Royal Society of Chemistry, his extensive work on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and greenhouse gas removal technologies underscores his expertise in carbon dioxide removal.

Caroline Masiello | Biochar

Caroline Masiello is a W. Maurice Ewing Professor of Biogeochemistry at Rice University, where she leads research on carbon, nitrogen, and water fluxes through the Earth system. Her work includes pioneering studies on biochar as a carbon dioxide removal strategy, focusing on its production, application, and long-term impacts on soil carbon sequestration. Prof. Masiello's extensive research and innovative approaches make her a leading expert in utilizing biochar for carbon dioxide removal.

Saran Sohi | Biochar

Saran Sohi is a Senior Lecturer in Soil Science and Biochar at the University of Edinburgh, where he co-founded the UK Biochar Research Centre. He has established a comprehensive research program focused on developing biochar as an integrative carbon removal technology. Dr. Sohi’s expertise in soil carbon dynamics and biochar's role in carbon sequestration makes him a leading authority in the field

FAQ

Got questions? Check out our Frequenty Asked Questions or get in touch: [email protected]

What role does SAN play in decision-making?
SAN serves as a sounding board, offering valuable input to guide decision-making, but it does not have the authority to make binding decisions.
How does Climeworks select its advisors?
Climeworks selects its advisors based on their expertise, professional achievements, and their capacity to support the organization's strategic objectives.
How long do members serve on the SAN?
Members of the SAN serve 1-year terms, with renewals occurring annually.
Are SAN members compensated?
Yes, SAN members are compensated, but the amount is modest. It is primarily a token of recognition for their time and expertise, reflecting that Climeworks is a scale-up.
Can I contact the SAN or its members?
Advisory Network members are not usually available for direct inquiries. However, you can reach out to the organization for any questions or feedback using the contact details provided above.
How can I stay updated on the Advisory Network’s work?
You can stay updated on the Advisory Board’s work by following Climeworks' official communications, such as updates on their website, newsletters, or announcements on their social media channels.
Can I recommend someone for the Advisory Network?
Yes, you can recommend someone for the Advisory Network by submitting their details to [contact]. Recommendations will be reviewed based on the networks’ current needs.

Thomas Crowther, Expert in Afforestation & Reforestation, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

I am proud to join Climeworks’ Scientific Advisory Network. We need to redefine nature-based solutions. It’s not about mass tree plantations to offset carbon emissions. It’s about finding and empowering the local communities, farmers, and indigenous populations who are the stewards of nature. Alongside Climeworks’ pioneering work in Direct Air Capture, these nature-based solutions can contribute to large-scale carbon drawdown to address our combined climate and biodiversity goals.

Daniela Thrän, Expert in Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltsforschung, Germany

Daniela Thrän is a professor and leading expert in bioenergy systems at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the University of Leipzig. She heads the Department of Bioenergy at UFZ, focusing on bio-based negative emissions and sustainable bioeconomy. Her extensive research on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), specifically on managing biomass potentials, positions her as a key authority in the field.

Our expertise

Our methodology