Deliberative polling increases non-expert confidence in assessments about carbon dioxide removal technologies

Abstract Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) plays an important role in climate scenarios, and multiple CDR research and development efforts are ongoing. For instrumental, substantive and normative reasons, the public should be involved in decision-making related to CDR. We simulate a consultation process using online deliberation groups based on random draws from the Norwegian population, bookended by surveys. Using a multi-mode approach, we find that deliberation enhances participants’ assessment of land-based bioenergy carbon capture and storage by.29 steps on a 1–4 scale, compared to a control group, while causing no significant changes in the assessments of four other CDR options presented. At the same time, the deliberation treatment reduces the incidence of ‘do not know’ and ‘no opinion’ responses by 71% for the main questions about the five technologies. Analysis of deliberation transcripts shows that participants emphasize the effectiveness, feasibility, and potential for unintended consequences of CDR, whereas questions of scale and relations with climate targets receive little attention. We conclude with observations on how deliberative formats may be used and enhanced as a research approach and procedure for involving the public in formulation of net-zero policy.