KAIROS Briefing Paper #21: The Costs and Risks of Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology for trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and storing them underground before they escape into the atmosphere. The Canadian government wants CCS to be a major part of Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This briefing paper examines some major questions concerning how much CCS will cost, what risks it will entail and its adequacy as a method for mitigating climate change. It warns that investing in CCS cannot be a substitute for adopting serious conservation, efficiency and renewable energy measures.
