Wil Burns

Co-Director Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal, American University

Dr. Wil Burns is the Co-Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal at American University. With extensive experience in climate policy, he focuses on the legal, ethical, and social implications of carbon removal technologies. Dr. Burns will be speaking on “Navigating Global Ocean CDR Policy and Governance for Industry Success,” addressing the complexities of marine carbon dioxide removal and its governance. His work aims to ensure responsible, equitable, and effective carbon removal practices.

Seminars

Wednesday 9th July 2025
Navigating Global Ocean CDR Policy & Governance for Industry Success
1:30 pm
  • Addressing emerging international regulatory challenges that may bottleneck ocean CDR progress
  • Exploring international permitting frameworks and challenges to navigate global regulatory landscapes
  • Understanding international agreements like the London Convention and the BBNJ agreement and impact these new regulations may pose to international CDR operations
Wednesday 9th July 2025
Expert Discussion: Overcoming Challenges in the Permitting Process to Ensure Compliance & Efficiency
2:00 pm
  • Navigating the permitting process for mCDR projects, including national and international regulations, to ensure compliance
  • Learning from recent permitting successes and challenges to identify best practices
  • Identifying strategies to streamline the permitting process, leading to more efficient project approvals
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Developing mCDR Technologies in Increasingly Turbulent Political Waters
1:30 pm

This workshop will address the critical aspects of developing mCDR technologies amidst political and regulatory uncertainties. Participants will explore the impact of governmental changes on the mCDR space and the importance of adapting to shifting government opinions on climate technologies.

This workshop will cover:

  • Adapting to shifting government opinions on climate technologies
  • Potential for public-private partnerships to advance mCDR projects
  • Addressing disinformation and effectively communicating the importance of CDR
Wil Burns