Cities need robust carbon dioxide removal strategies to meet net-zero targets

Nature Climate Change, Published online: 18 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41558-026-02676-zLeading European cities race to reach net-zero emissions, but residual emissions are tied to easier-to-abate sectors and temporary, land-intensive carbon removal for compensation. To keep climate neutrality credible and fair, policy must tighten expectations on cutting emissions and set clear rules for carbon removal and credits.