Carbon Capture: Illogical Policies

As the climate crisis escalates, carbon capture and storage (CCS) has gained traction as a technological solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. With recent federal subsidies, corporations—including those deeply entrenched in the fossil fuel industry—can receive substantial financial incentives for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and sequestering it underground. Though attractive at first glance,the policy creates a dangerous reliance on companies to self-regulate, undermines genuine emissions reduction initiatives, and ultimately fails to provide a sustainable path forward in the fight against climate change.

CCS’s core goal is capturing  emissions before they enter the atmosphere and store them underground. This technology could theoretically allow companies to continue their operations while contributing to climate solutions. However, the implementation of such policies raises significant roadblocks for  accountability. “Hoping”  big corporations faithfully self-reported their progress data makes verifying the program’s efficacy impossible. This lack of oversight introduces the potential for tax fraud and manipulation, as companies exaggerate their achievements to game the system and maximize government subsidies. From the beginning, these programs have jeopardized the integrity of public funds earmarked for climate change solutions.

The current CCS framework incentivizes ongoing emissions rather than compelling genuine reductions in pollution. By rewarding companies to “capture” carbon without any limitations on the emissions they already produce, we risk perpetuating the very behaviors that contribute to climate change. Worse, this paradox creates a misleading narrative of climate action, where capturing carbon becomes a substitute for making necessary changes to actually reduce emissions. The political landscape is heavily influenced by powerful fossil fuel interests that have historically resisted stringent environmental regulations. By allowing these industries to benefit from carbon capture subsidies, the government effectively sidesteps the more challenging yet necessary task of imposing stricter emissions limits. Half-measures are prioritized over comprehensive climate policies, and meaningful progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions become a far-distant fantasy. Under these policies, companies can continue with “business as usual” under the guise of environmental responsibility.

Regardless of the inherent failures of carbon-capture policies, the technology itself is still developing, facing significant scalability challenges and requiring extensive infrastructure for the transport and storage of captured CO2. Many regions may not have suitable geological conditions for safe long-term storage, leading to concerns about the feasibility of widespread implementation. Even if leaders develop an effective policy framework to effectively implement carbon-capture incentives, a reliance on CCS could divert attention and resources from other, potentially more effective strategies, such as scaling construction of renewable energy transplants and enhancing energy efficiency.

To effectively combat climate change, a more robust and holistic approach is essential. While carbon capture can play a role in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, nations must heed the imperative to decrease overall emissions. Policymakers should focus on implementing rigorous regulations that not only limit emissions from industrial sources but also promote the adoption of clean energy technologies. Maintaining  their focus on real solutions can, and will create a sustainable and equitable energy future, rather than allowing companies to rely on carbon capture as a “get out of jail free” card. 

Real solutions require that transparency and accountability must be at the forefront of any policy framework designed to tackle climate change. Establishing rigorous verification mechanisms is crucial to ensure that any carbon capture claims are substantiated. Without these safeguards, the risk of greenwashing—where companies falsely present themselves as environmentally responsible—becomes alarmingly high.While carbon capture and storage may appear to offer a viable solution to climate change, the current policy framework is fundamentally flawed. Blindly throwing our weight behind novel “climate change solutions” like CCS risks undermining the very goals we seek to achieve. A truly effective climate strategy must prioritize genuine emissions reductions and foster a transition away from fossil fuels, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. The time for stallings and half-solutions is over; we must demand a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of climate change. Nothing less.