Research Question: Do the positive effects of using carbon capture and storage (CCS) and/or carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology outweigh the negative effect and can either help mitigate climate change?
Background
Climate crisis refers to the impacts of global warming and climate change on planet Earth. Climate change is caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and stay in the atmosphere for many years which causes the global average temperature to rise, this is also known as global warming.
Since the global average temperature continues to rise, we are at an inflection point where if we do not enhance our efforts to combat the climate crisis, we will exceed the 1.5 ˚C (2.7 ˚F) limit, leading to irreversible and catastrophic outcomes. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) are two different approaches to addressing excess greenhouse gasses causing the Earth’s climate to increase in temperature.
The positive impacts of CCS
CCS has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. By capturing and storing CO2 emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and using captured CO2 for industrial applications, CCS can help to create a more sustainable future.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
CCS can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2 emissions, from power plants, industrial facilities, and other sources. By capturing CO2 emissions and preventing them from entering the atmosphere, CCS can help to mitigate the effects of climate change. This benefit is further amplified for industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as steel and cement production, where CCS can make a significant contribution to reducing emissions.
Increased energy efficiency
The capture and storage process of CCS can help increase the energy efficiency of power plants, reducing the amount of energy required to produce electricity. This is because the capture process involves separating CO2 from other gases, which can help to optimize combustion and reduce energy waste.
Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
The use of CCS can help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by enabling the continued use of fossil-fueled power plants with reduced carbon emissions. This can help bridge the transition to a low-carbon economy while maintaining a reliable electricity supply.
The negative impacts of CCS
CCS can be an effective method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the technology does have its drawbacks. The high cost of implementation, limited storage capacity, risk of leakage, and energy penalty associated with CCS are significant factors that need to be considered when evaluating the feasibility of this technology.
High Cost
The implementation of CCS can be expensive, making it unaffordable for some countries and companies. The cost of CCS depends on various factors such as the capture technology used, the amount of CO2 captured, and the storage location. Due to the high cost of CCS, some countries and companies may find it difficult to invest in this technology, especially in developing countries where there may be more pressing needs for infrastructure and economic development.
Leakage Risks
There is a risk of CO2 leakage from storage sites, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. Leakage can occur due to natural geological processes, equipment failure, or human error. If CO2 leaks from the storage site, it can displace oxygen in the air, leading to asphyxiation. Moreover, the dissolved CO2 in groundwater can make the water acidic, causing harm to aquatic life.
Limited Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of CCS is limited, and new storage sites may be difficult to find. The most common storage sites for CO2 are underground geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and coal seams. However, the capacity of these sites is finite, and finding new storage sites can be challenging. In addition, there is a risk of geological instability or seismic activity that could affect the integrity of the storage site.
The positive impacts of CDR
Reduced atmospheric CO2 levels
Similar to CCS, CDR has the potential to be a valuable tool in the fight against climate change. By reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, conserving biodiversity, achieving negative emissions, and enabling the use of CO2, CDR can help to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future
Biodiversity conservation
Climate change has a significant impact on biodiversity. It can alter ecosystems and disrupt the balance of life within them. CDR can help to conserve biodiversity by reducing the impact of climate change on ecosystems. By removing CO2 from the atmosphere, CDR can help mitigate the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events. Natural-based CDR emphasizes reforestation and afforestation.
Potential for negative emissions
CDR technologies have the potential to achieve negative emissions by removing more CO2 from the atmosphere than is emitted and could potentially help to reverse some of the damage that has already been done to the environment. Negative emissions are essential to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Use of CO2
CDR technologies can enable the use of CO2 in various industrial applications, such as the production of biofuels. By capturing and utilizing CO2, CDR can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by industrial processes. This can help to make industries more sustainable and reduce their impact on the environment. CO2 can be used to create valuable products, such as building materials and plastics, which can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
The negative impacts of CDR
CDR has the potential to contribute to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, however, there are some negatives associated with the technology. The high-cost, environmental impact, energy and resource requirements, technical challenges, and ethical considerations are significant factors that need to be considered when evaluating the feasibility of this technology.
High Cost
Similar to CCS, the implementation of CDR can be expensive when compared to reducing emissions, making it unaffordable for some countries and companies. However, there are a number of potential technology pathways.
Limited effectiveness
CDR is not yet fully developed, and the effectiveness of the technology is uncertain.
Environmental impact
Afforestation and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), require significant land changes that can negatively impact ecosystems, biodiversity, and land rights. Afforestation can lead to the loss of natural habitats and the displacement of indigenous communities. BECCS can compete with food crops for land use, leading to potential conflicts over land resources.
Energy and resource requirement
Some CDR technologies require significant amounts of energy and resources to operate and cause a reduction in energy efficiency. For example, direct air capture (DAC) requires large amounts of energy to capture and store carbon dioxide, which can offset the potential benefits of carbon removal.
MEME Assignment
The meme assignment provided us the inspiration for the initial background of our topic. The meme touches on the IPCC report's emphasis on the severity of the climate crisis and the inaction of many, specifically those in power. In a report released on August 9, 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations group assembled to monitor and assess the science related to climate change, declared a “code red for humanity.” In this study, the IPCC stated it was “unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans, and land.” This report served as a wake-up call for governments and humanity that global average temperatures could reach or exceed 1.5°C in the next 20 years, 10 years sooner than expected. Because of inaction, we need to find any solution that can complement calls for reduced production and consumption.
Poem Assignment
Based on our interpretation of the poem Crossing a City Highway by Yusef Komunyakaa, the way we envision the poem correlating with our research question is how the destruction of natural-based CDR, due to deforestation, has directly contributed to the conditions the coyote faces. The coyote symbolizes that nature is around us, but it has gone into hiding. Deforestation and industrialization have created a toxic environment, from the pollution in the air to the chemicals we use on floral life. By doing so we have removed a vital part of the planet that aided in absorbing carbon dioxide. The imagery of the poem highlights the oily air representing the excess of carbon emission staying in the atmosphere not being absorbed and poisoned grass that signifies the destruction of floral life.
Conclusion
The positive effects of CCS and/or CDR technologies outweigh the negative effects and can help mitigate climate change. These technologies can reduce CO2 emissions from industrial processes and remove CO2 from the atmosphere, limiting global warming to below 1.5 ˚C (2.7 ˚F). Technology-based solutions in both categories may be more effective in rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate targets. However, in the long term, nature-based solutions such as reforestation will be critical for maintaining carbon sinks, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of carbon removal efforts. A combination of both approaches is likely to be the most effective in mitigating climate change, taking advantage of the strengths of each approach and addressing their respective limitations. It is important to address the negative effects of these technologies and implement appropriate measures to mitigate the risks. Governments, private sectors, and society must collaborate and invest in research and development to improve the efficiency, affordability, and safety of CCS and CDR technologies. Most importantly we must remember that this is just one piece of the puzzle. We need to strive to reduce our consumption habits and begin to live more sustainably.
Call to action
Policies and regulations need to be implemented to encourage the deployment of these technologies and ensure the protection of the environment and human health. Individuals can take actions to reduce their carbon footprint, such as reducing energy consumption, using public transport, and supporting sustainable practices. By working together and taking action, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Supporting Sustainable Practices
There is no better time than NOW to begin your sustainability journey! In Rudy’s BUS4 118I course, Digital Innovation, his team developed PAT (Product Accountability and Transparency), an interactive and easy-to-use chatbot with sustainability in mind. It offers the user a guided or free-flowing experience. The responses generated aim to educate the user about the negative impacts of their consumption habits while encouraging and teaching them to make more sustainable choices. The goal is to reduce waste and their impact on the environment. PAT options highlight the impact of what, where, and how we consume to provide a starting point for those in the public new to these topics. Below is a small, animated skit demonstrating how to use PAT and the link to the website home to PAT.
Credits:
Created with an image by Leonid - "Environmental problem of pollution of environment and air in cities. Smoking industrial zone factory chimneys"