Is Carbon Capture and Storage Really a Solution to the Climate Crisis?
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have long been presented to the public as a “technological salvation” at a time when the climate crisis is deepening. Oil, natural gas, and coal companies argue that the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere can be captured and safely stored underground, allowing the continued use of fossil fuels. This narrative creates a sense of comfort—particularly among economists—that enables the postponement of emissions-reduction policies. However, recent scientific studies show that carbon storage is neither as effective nor as viable, technically or economically, as it is often portrayed. A recent analysis published by CarbonBrief reveals that long-accepted estimates of global geological carbon storage capacity have been wildly optimistic. Claims that 10,000–40,000 billion tonnes of CO₂ could be stored underground collapse when realistic safety and feasibility criteria are applied. According to the study, the amount of carbon dioxide that can ...