Is carbon removal delaying emission reductions?

Carton, Wim; Hougaard, Inge‐Merete; Markusson, Nils; Lund, Jens Friis

doi:10.1002/wcc.826

Cited by 60 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 126 publications

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“…The concept of performativity has been widely deployed in debates about the roles that expectations about the future play in science and innovation (Brown & Michael, 2003; Konrad et al, 2016). Critical scholarship has highlighted ways in which the concept may help bring the politics of speculative carbon removal solutions into focus, as they are evaluated in the “world‐making” practices of global climate assessments (Beck & Mahony, 2018; Carton et al, 2023). Alongside the concept's value for critical analysis, the capacity to be reflexive about practices of world‐making is also integral to demonstrating carbon removal.…”

Section: The Performativity Of Demonstrationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon removal demonstrations and problems of public perception

Waller,

Cox,

Bellamy

2023

WIREs Climate Change

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Expectations about the future removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere have mobilized projects which seek to demonstrate carbon removal methods, at various stages of development. Public perceptions play a critical role in demonstrations and funders widely require demonstration projects to identify and consult affected groups and communities. This review examines the extant research on perceptions of carbon removal, analyzing how studies have conceptualized the public and the role perceptions play in field trials and experiments of carbon removal methods. The paper develops a novel analytical framework distinguishing between “procedural” and “performative” approaches to demonstrations. Attending to performativity, we suggest, makes clear why demonstration projects often surface conflicting expectations about future technology development. We apply the analytical framework to the academic literature on perceptions of carbon removal using a systematic search and interpretive review. We find that much perceptions research on carbon removal adopts elements from linear models of innovation, foregrounding the problem of social acceptance and distancing the public from experimental presentations and displays. We situate these findings in a discussion of the roles that expectations about carbon removal play in demonstrations and the positioning of perceptions research as a tool for managing “opposition” from external audiences. Moving beyond instrumental approaches to public perception, the review makes the case for closer engagement in perceptions research with conflicting expectations that emerge around projects demonstrating the “promise” of carbon removal.This article is categorized under: The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change Climate, History, Society, Culture > Technological Aspects and Ideas

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Section: The Performativity Of Demonstrationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon removal demonstrations and problems of public perception

Waller,

Cox,

Bellamy

2023

WIREs Climate Change

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“…Table 2 summarizes the impact of varying levels of CDR reliance on primary and nal energy demand, and abatement costs under the different scenarios. By attempting to remove large quantities of CO 2 from the atmosphere, the remaining carbon budget is extended 53 , delaying the necessary transition away from fossil fuels to achieve climate targets. The results indicate that high reliance on CDR presents a risk of perpetuating fossil fuel reliance and impeding transitions to sustainable energy systems.…”

Section: Impact On Primary and Nal Energy Demand Abatement Costsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deployment expectations of multi-gigaton scale of carbon dioxide removal could have adverse impacts on global climate system

Liu,

Ampah,

JIN

et al. 2023

Preprint

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The window for limiting global warming to 1.5°C is rapidly closing, necessitating immediate climate action which some have proposed includes deploying carbon dioxide removal (CDR) at scale. However, CDR is characterized by varying trade-offs and spill-over effects, and an excessive reliance on them to reach climate milestones could affect global Earth system negatively. This study quantitatively investigates the impacts associated with different levels of reliance on negative emissions for Asia’s net zero ambitions. We employ a technology-rich integrated assessment model, i.e., GCAM-TJU, a modified version of the Global Change Assessment Model (GCAM) with the capability of deploying six different CDR approaches. Different levels of CDR reliance are modeled by varying CDR deployment times, availability, and removal capacities. Key findings are that deploying tens of gigaton scale of negative emissions by mid-century will perpetuate fossil fuel reliance, slow energy transitions and push back net zero timelines. High reliance on CDR also reduces building efficiency improvements and transport electrification rates significantly. Furthermore, timing of net zero for multiple Asian countries is advanced under lower availability of CDR, resulting in lower residual emissions with significant health co-benefits. Regarding land and food, high reliance on CDR leads to significant changes in land use with a severe reduction in cropland. There are potential concerns related to water demands and fertilizer needs under excessive reliance on CDR. Overall, our results show that tens of gigaton scale of negative emissions by mid-century could seriously impede climate goals. Prioritizing non-CDR mitigation strategies through rapid electrification, carbon-neutral/negative fuels (e.g., hydrogen), and efficiency mainstreaming could accelerate decarbonization. We must strive to pursue emission cuts maximally before utilizing negative emissions. While CDR is necessary for delivering the "net" in "net-zero emissions", it is worth exploring strategies that reduce the need for excessive reliance on CDR, while also capitalizing on its advantages when it is most viable.

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“…3. Interventions perceived as involving dispersal of materials are less desirable than those involving controlled storage (e.g., burial on land or beneath the seabed) (Cooley et al, 2023).…”

Section: Tracking What Might Influence Public Perception Of Oaementioning

confidence: 99%

Social Considerations and Best Practices for Engaging Publics on Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement

Satterfield

Nawaz

Boettcher

2023

Preprint

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Abstract. In the wake of numerous propositions to trial, test or up-scale ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), multiple social considerations have begun to be identified. To ensure that OAE research is responsible (is attentive to societal priorities) and successful (does not prematurely engender widespread social rejection), it will be critical to understand how OAE might be perceived as risky or controversial, and under what conditions it might be regarded by relevant social groups as most worthy of exploration. To facilitate the answering of these questions, this chapter: (1) characterizes what is known to date about public perceptions of OAE; (2) provides methodological suggestions on how to conduct social science research and public engagement to accompany OAE field research, and; (3) addresses how knowledge gained from social research and public engagement on OAE can be integrated into ongoing scientific, siting, and communications work.

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Is carbon removal delaying emission reductions?

Cited by 60 publications

References 126 publications

Carbon removal demonstrations and problems of public perception

Carbon removal demonstrations and problems of public perception

Deployment expectations of multi-gigaton scale of carbon dioxide removal could have adverse impacts on global climate system

Social Considerations and Best Practices for Engaging Publics on Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement

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