In early 2021, two ambitious students, Paulina Villalonga and Fabian Nilsson, set out to explore carbon removal and document the innovative solutions shaping the field. When they put out a call for a technically inclined expert to guide their journey, I jumped at the chance. What started as a few Zoom calls quickly turned into something much bigger–an invitation to be featured in their film. Two years later, we secured renowned director Leila Conners, and the rest is history! Discover my Journey to Legion 44!

Legion 44 made its initial premiere at New York Climate Week in Sept. 2024 and has since been showcased at the Yellow Springs Film Festival, Singapore Fintech Festival, Yellowknife International Film Festival, Nuremberg, and Stanford University! The film and bonus content is now available for lifetime access through the Legion 44 website, where viewers can pair their purchase with real-world carbon removal action. In the coming months, it will be available for small private screenings, as well as events tailored for policymakers, cities, and universities.

What is carbon removal and why is it important?

Carbon removal, or carbon dioxide removal (CDR), is the process of taking carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the atmosphere and storing it securely to mitigate climate change. There are many ways that this can be achieved, using trees, biomass, soils, rocks, and chemical reactions. Most of my research has focused on the approaches that utilize rocks (carbon mineralization) and chemical reactions (direct air capture). By reducing atmospheric CO₂ carbon removal plays a critical role in curbing climate change and building a sustainable future.

How Can Legion 44 Expand Its Reach?

Taking an innovative approach to distribution, Legion 44 is available through the Watch + Remove campaign, allowing viewers to purchase or gift access to the film while directly supporting carbon removal efforts. To ensure audiences leave informed and empowered, the Legion 44 website features a dedicated Carbon Removal section with educational resources, online communities, and even DIY carbon removal projects. Additionally, the team has developed discussions guides and lesson plans to help educators bring the film into classrooms worldwide.