Successfully deploying carbon removal projects hinges on more than just technological innovation. It requires earning and maintaining a social license to operate. Without local support and acceptance, even the most promising solutions can face resistance. This session will delve into the intersection of community engagement, equitable project development, and how they lead to durable project outcomes. Ugbaad Kosar, director of environmental justice at Carbon180, will explore strategies to center community needs, foster long-term acceptance, and establish a true social license to operate—ensuring carbon removal efforts deliver both environmental and social benefits.