Environmental justice asymmetries in carbon management research

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global climate change will require large-scale deployment of carbon management interventions, such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). However, their massive deployment raises pressing environmental justice concerns. In this paper, we present a systematic scoping review to assess how the different environmental justice dimensions (i.e. procedural, distributive and recognition) are incorporated into the design and implementation of CDR and CCS. We find that the literature is fragmented, with approximately two-thirds of the studies focusing on CCS and a strong concentration in the Global North. Procedural justice, mainly examined through public perception, dominates the field, while recognition justice remains largely neglected. Based on these findings, we identify four research priorities: incorporating recognition justice and local perspectives into CCS and CDR policies, developing mechanisms to enable meaningful community participation, expanding research beyond the Global North, and examining intergenerational impacts. Addressing these research priorities is essential to ensure that these mitigation interventions contribute to a just climate transition rather than reinforce existing inequalities. IMPACT STATEMENTThis review identifies significant imbalances in how environmental justice is addressed in carbon management research. While procedural justice receives considerable attention, recognition justice remain underexplored. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive approaches to environmental justice in carbon management research. They can inform future research and support policymakers in developing more equitable climate mitigation strategies that consider the needs and perspectives of affected communities. This review identifies significant imbalances in how environmental justice is addressed in carbon management research. While procedural justice receives considerable attention, recognition justice remain underexplored. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive approaches to environmental justice in carbon management research. They can inform future research and support policymakers in developing more equitable climate mitigation strategies that consider the needs and perspectives of affected communities.