• UGI USER
  • Dec 14, 2023
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CHALLENGES IN CLIMATE MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Why in the News?

  • The ongoing COP28 climate talks in Dubai emphasize carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon-dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.
  • The term “abatement” becomes contentious, highlighting the need to comprehend the limitations of both CCS and CDR.

What is CCS and CDR?

  • CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage): Involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) at emission sources, such as fossil fuel and industrial processes, before release into the atmosphere.
  • CDR (Carbon-Dioxide Removal): Encompasses natural methods like afforestation and technological approaches like direct air capture to absorb and store CO2 underground.

IPCC’s AR6 Projections:

  • The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report relies significantly on CDR for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C
  • The assessed scenario suggests sequestering 5 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2040, exceeding India’s current annual emissions.

Challenges associated:

  • Scale and Feasibility Challenges:
  • Scientists question the scale at which CCS and CDR can succeed, emphasizing concerns about achieving ambitious emission reduction targets.
  • Pitfalls of CCS and CDR:
  • Concerns raised about creating more room for emissions by removing CO2, potentially undermining emission reduction efforts.
  • The utilization of CCS to extract more oil raises environmental concerns.
  • Equity Issues with Land Use:
  • CDR methods relying on land, such as afforestation, can impact land rights, biodiversity, and food security, particularly in the Global South.
  • Questions arise about the fair use of land and potential exploitation by global North countries.

 The limitations of CCS and CDR technologies pose challenges in achieving global climate mitigation goals. The balance between technological innovation and environmental responsibility remains a key consideration in the ongoing battle against climate change.