I thought that this week we could consider in more depth an issue that has briefly been part of previous discussions; carbon capture from the atmosphere.
We know that while the transition to renewable electrical power generation, together with the 'electrification of everything', is the main game, particularly in the short to medium term, there will be still some types of carbon emissions that won't be able to be 'electrified'. In addition, with the slower than needed reduction in emissions globally, removing carbon from the atmosphere is likely to be required in the medium to long term to eventually bring atmospheric carbon levels back to near pre-industrial times or some other satisfactory level. The need for carbon removal as part of the package of actions has been acknowledged in the recent IPCC working group 3 report.
Here's an information sheet on carbon capture generally for pre class reading, but at our session I'd like to discuss the pros and cons of the variety of carbon capture methods. These include:
- Agroforestry
- Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage
- Biochar
- Blue carbon
- Direct air capture
- Enhanced mineralisation
- Forestation
- Mass timber
- Ocean alkalinisation
- Soil carbon sequestration
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday.
John
Web reference: https://www.american.edu/sis/centers/carbon-removal/fact-sheets.cfm