The Controversy Surrounding Carbon Capture and its Role in Climate Change

Carbon capture and carbon removal technologies are being discussed at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai as potential solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While some view these technologies as essential during the transition to clean energy, skeptics argue that they are being oversold to maintain the status quo. Carbon capture involves separating carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and storing it underground, while carbon removal aims to extract carbon already in the atmosphere. However, the deployment of these technologies is still in its early stages and faces challenges such as high costs and opposition to infrastructure development. Supporters, including the American Petroleum Institute, believe that carbon capture is crucial for cleaner energy use, while critics argue that it can prolong the lifespan of polluting plants and distract from the need to phase out fossil fuels.