Carbon Removal on the Record: What Standards and Policies Mean for Business

By Invitation Only

Date and Time

July 10, 2025
11:00 am-12:00 pm EDT

Location

Webinar

By invitation only.

As carbon removal becomes an essential part of credible net-zero strategies, the policy and standards landscape is evolving fast. With the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) now providing guidelines on interim carbon removal targets, companies face increasing pressure to understand and align with evolving standards.

In this second session, we will break down the key developments shaping how carbon removal is regulated, standardized, and reported—from global frameworks to market-specific guidance. Whether you're just starting or refining your approach, this conversation will help you understand the evolving rulebook and what it means for your climate goals.

The third and final session will focus on how companies can adopt a portfolio approach and build a science-based carbon removal strategy.

BSR members interested in participating can reach out to hello@bsr.org for an invitation.

Agenda

1. The Evolving Policy Landscape: From Voluntary Action to Compliance Markets
2. What Companies Need to Know: Navigating Disclosures and Claims
3. Interactive Q/A

Scheduled Speakers

• Lara Birkes, Managing Director, Climate and Nature, BSR
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Lara Birkes
Managing Director, Climate and Nature, BSR
San Francisco
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Lara is responsible for leading BSR's Climate and Nature team globally and driving the organization’s work with Member companies' impact consulting, grants, and collaborative initiatives.  
Lara is a sustainability and policy professional with over fifteen years of experience managing partnerships, sustainability initiatives and policy engagement with companies, international organizations, governments, and NGOs.  
Prior to BSR, Lara was Global Head of Sustainability at Sonder, joining in 2020 to establish the corporate responsibility function, implementing policies to engrain responsible business practices across the company pre to post IPO. 
She also serves on the Advisory Board of EQX Biome, a start-up working to mobilize financial markets to protect the world’s remaining biodiversity hotspots. In 2024 Lara started hosting a web series & podcast called Nature IS to raise awareness of the critical need for protection, conservation, and regeneration of biodiversity.  
Lara holds a B.S. degree in International Business & Management from the University of Montana, a M.A. degree in International Trade Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California and is a World Economic Forum Global Leadership Fellow.  
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Recent Insights From Lara Birkes
• Climate and Nature Integration 101: In Conversation with Helen Crowley / April 24, 2025 / Blog
• Integrating Climate and Nature: A Dual Approach to Business Resilience / December 5, 2024 / Blog
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• Caroline Ott, Director Carbon Markets, Climeworks