Removing CO2 from the atmosphere through a process known as “scrubbing” has been much vaunted as a way to slow the onset of climate change. But new research from MIT, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, shows scrubbing is not only extremely expensive, it could also increase emissions.
Because the process is very energy intensive, it will have to be powered by renewable energy if it is to reduce overall emissions.
“We estimate that total system costs of an air capture system will be on the order of $1,000 per tonne of CO2,” the researchers said, “based on experience with as-built large-scale trace gas removal systems.”
colin austin
researcher
Plants are already extracting some thirty times all man made emission. The problem is that most of this is simply returned to the atmosphere by degradation and decomposition. Technology diverting this stream of carbon back into the soil is available at a fraction of the cost and also improves soil quality and enhances food security. See www.waterright.com.au
Andrew Glikson
Earth and paleo-climate scientist at Australian National University
“We estimate that total system costs of an air capture system will be on the order of $1,000 per tonne of CO2,” the researchers said, “based on experience with as-built large-scale trace gas removal systems.”
Yes, expensive, but:
1. How does this cost compare with the cost of the consequences of advanced climate disruption, including meters-scale sea level rise and extreme weather events?
2. How does this cost compare with the $trillions used for military purposes around the world, in the name of "defense"? There will be not much left to defend if carbon emissions continue to accelerate and no effective miitigation measures are adopted.