Bringing Carbon Removal Solutions to the Global South
The inaugural Futures Summit took place from 16th–18th October 2024, marking South Asia’s first-ever Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) conference. This landmark event was hosted across two dynamic locations—the bustling capital city of New Delhi and the heritage Selim Hill tea garden in Darjeeling.
Bringing together key stakeholders from India's growing CDR ecosystem, the summit facilitated critical discussions on climate-tech innovation, investment, and policy. Attendees included climate-tech startups, investors, policymakers, influential family offices, philanthropies, international clients, and institutional registries—all committed to advancing solutions that help keep global warming within the 1.5°C threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. With its successful debut, the Futures Summit has set the stage for continued collaboration and progress in carbon removal efforts across the region.
Agenda
New Delhi Leg
India’s top decision-makers came together in New Delhi to explore the future of Climate Action and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in the country
CDR Explainer:
Attendees gained insights from global CDR experts through informative presentations that unpacked the science, strategies, and potential of carbon removal
Panel Discussions:
Curated panels on key themes, including Project Finance, Technology Pathways, International Policy Lessons for India, and Client Perspectives tailored for Indian developers
The second leg of the summit unfolded at the heritage Selim Hill Tea Garden in Darjeeling, where an intimate group convened for closed-door conversations with India’s leading CDR companies
Site Visit :
Participants took part in an exclusive field visit to Alt Carbon’s deployment sites at our first partner estate, offering a rare glimpse into early-stage CDR implementation on the ground
Moonlight Plucking:
The experience was capped with a taste of Darjeeling’s iconic tradition—the Full Moon Plucking of Imperial Silver Needle Teas—held under the glow of the night sky at the historic Selim Hill Tea Garden
An evening of dinner and drinks hosted by Kolkata’s iconic Sienna Café, setting the scene for meaningful connections ahead of the keynote address
Workshops & Fireside Chats:
Interactive sessions led by Indian and global CDR experts, featuring hands-on workshops and candid fireside conversations.
Sunset Hike:
The summit closed with a peaceful sunset hike and tea tasting, hosted by Dorje Teas—an unforgettable blend of nature and reflection
Themes
What is Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)?
Understanding Carbon Removals versus Carbon Avoidance
Enhanced Rock Weathering
How crucial is ERW to Global Net Zero Pathways?
Climate Philanthropy
How to reach Net Zero Targets by leveraging philanthropy
Indian CDR leadership
Making India a Global South leader for Carbon Removal Solutions
Advanced Market Commitments
Understanding International initiatives & their impact for India
Pathway to the Compliance Market
Carbon Removal as a Manufacturing Sector Opportunity for India
The CDR Policy EcoSystem
Regulations and incentives to scale carbon removal technologies
Venture Investing in Carbon Removal
The Next Frontier of Deep Tech Investing
Speakers
P D Singh
Eminent Banker
Ashish Dhawan
The Convergence Foundation
Dr. Rathin Roy
Overseas Development Institute
Shrey Agarwal
Alt Carbon
Yusuke Tsuji
Mitsubishi Corporation
James V Abraham
Mynzo Carbon
Rahool Gadkari
Neufin
Harsh Jain
CarbonStrong
Safi Ahsan Rizvi
NDMA
K Kartick
NextGen CDR
Dr. Sambuddha Misra
IISc Bangalore
Ashis Nayak
Shastra VC
Ted Christie-Miller
Carbon Ratings
Awais Ahmed
Pixxel
Suhasini Haidar
The Hindu
P D Singh
Eminent Banker
Ashish Dhawan
The Convergence Foundation
Dr. Rathin Roy
Overseas Development Institute
Shrey Agarwal
Alt Carbon
Yusuke Tsuji
Mitsubishi Corporation
James V Abraham
Mynzo Carbon
Rahool Gadkari
Neufin
Harsh Jain
CarbonStrong
Safi Ahsan Rizvi
NDMA
K Kartick
NextGen CDR
Dr. Sambuddha Misra
IISc Bangalore
Ashis Nayak
Shastra VC
Ted Christie-Miller
Carbon Ratings
Awais Ahmed
Pixxel
Suhasini Haidar
The Hindu
Locations
India Habitat Centre (IHC), New Delhi
Convening Delhi's Top Stakeholders
Established with the objective of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the IHC serves as a prominent nexus for cultural, intellectual, and social engagement, with emphasis on ecological sustainability and commitment to environmentally responsible development.
Selim Hill Tea Garden, Darjeeling
Invitation only
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Darjeeling, Selim Hill Tea Garden is renowned for its organic teas and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Established in the 1870s, it plays a crucial role in preserving the local ecosystem and supporting community livelihoods. Crucial fireside chats will be held at Second Chance House, a heritage bungalow at Selim Hill Tea Garden.
Advisory Board
Dr. Pramath Sinha
Sparsh Agarwal
P D Singh
Dr. Ramananda Chakrabarti
Dr. Rathin Roy
Suhasini Haidar
The inaugural Futures Summit took place from 16th–18th October 2024, marking South Asia’s first-ever Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) conference. This landmark event was hosted across two dynamic locations—the bustling capital city of New Delhi and the heritage Selim Hill tea garden in Darjeeling.