The present invention provides processes for removing CO.sub.2 from an effluent stream derived from an oxygenate to olefins reaction system. In one embodiment, the invention comprises contacting the effluent stream with a first CO.sub.2 removal medium in a first CO.sub.2 removal zone under conditions effective to remove a first portion of the CO.sub.2 from the effluent stream and form a first CO.sub.2 depleted stream. The first CO.sub.2 depleted stream is contacted with a second CO.sub.2 removal medium in a second CO.sub.2 removal zone under conditions effective to remove a second portion of the CO.sub.2 from the first CO.sub.2 depleted stream and form a second CO.sub.2 depleted stream comprising less than about 0.5 vppm CO.sub.2.