The reaction mechanism of CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins was described in detail. Aiming at the two paths of CO2 hydrogenation by the direct method and indirect synthesis low carbon olefins, this paper expounds the types of catalysts used in the two paths, summarizes the effects of additives and carriers in catalyst for CO2 conversion to olefin, and the latest research results, finally prospects the research direction of catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins.