Cutting through the noise on negative emissions
TL;DR: This perspective aims to cut through what it sees as a noisy discourse on NETs, which is wrapped-up in concerns that are dependent on scenario modeling and offer a plain evaluation of NETs as a potential climate change mitigation option.
About: This article is published in Joule.The article was published on 2021-08-18. It has received 6 citations till now.
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TL;DR: In this article , the authors provide an exhaustive description of materials development, adsorbent shaping, in situ characterization, adsorption mechanism simulation, process design, system integration, and techno-economic analysis of ad-sorbent-based direct air capture (DAC) technologies.
Abstract: Significant progress has been made in direct air capture (DAC) in recent years. Evidence suggests that the large-scale deployment of DAC by adsorption would be technically feasible for gigatons of CO2 capture annually. However, great efforts in adsorption-based DAC technologies are still required. This review provides an exhaustive description of materials development, adsorbent shaping, in situ characterization, adsorption mechanism simulation, process design, system integration, and techno-economic analysis of adsorption-based DAC over the past five years; and in terms of adsorbent development, affordable DAC adsorbents such as amine-containing porous materials with large CO2 adsorption capacities, fast kinetics, high selectivity, and long-term stability under ultra-low CO2 concentration and humid conditions. It is also critically important to develop efficient DAC adsorptive processes. Research and development in structured adsorbents that operate at low-temperature with excellent CO2 adsorption capacities and kinetics, novel gas-solid contactors with low heat and mass transfer resistances, and energy-efficient regeneration methods using heat, vacuum, and steam purge is needed to commercialize adsorption-based DAC. The synergy between DAC and carbon capture technologies for point sources can help in mitigating climate change effects in the long-term. Further investigations into DAC applications in the aviation, agriculture, energy, and chemical industries are required as well. This work benefits researchers concerned about global energy and environmental issues, and delivers perspective views for further deployment of negative-emission technologies.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the value that CCUS provides in time-bound, economy-wide transitions to net-zero emissions (NZE), and they consider value on three levels: (a) threshold value, i.e. whether or not CCUS is necessary in economywide pathways to NZE; (b) commercial value, and (c) option value.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors explore the reasons behind the disagreement in the literature about moral hazard/mitigation deterrence (MH/MD) and examine how these conceptualizations inform assessments of MH/MD risks.
Abstract: Carbon dioxide removal is rapidly becoming a key focus in climate research and politics. This is raising concerns of “moral hazard” or “mitigation deterrence,” that is, the risk that promises of and/or efforts to pursue carbon removal end up reducing or delaying near‐term mitigation efforts. Some, however, contest this risk, arguing that it is overstated or lacking evidence. In this review, we explore the reasons behind the disagreement in the literature. We unpack the different ways in which moral hazard/mitigation deterrence (MH/MD) is conceptualized and examine how these conceptualizations inform assessments of MH/MD risks. We find that MH/MD is a commonly recognized feature of modeled mitigation pathways but that conclusions as to the real‐world existence of MH/MD diverge on individualistic versus structural approaches to examining it. Individualistic approaches favor narrow conceptualizations of MH/MD, which tend to exclude the wider political‐economic contexts in which carbon removal emerges. This exclusion limits the value and relevance of such approaches. We argue for a broader understanding of what counts as evidence of delaying practices and propose a research agenda that complements theoretical accounts of MH/MD with empirical studies of the political‐economic structures that may drive mitigation deterrence dynamics.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a review of the sociotechnical dynamics of carbon removal options is presented, which reveals the different epistemic, economic, technical, social, political, and environmental elements necessary for a net-zero energy transition.
4 citations
Peer Review•
02 Nov 2022
TL;DR: A review of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology that contribute to negative emissions can be found in this paper , where the authors summarized the present direct air capture technology and suggested future perspectives and directions of various methods for negative emissions.
Abstract: Building a carbon-neutral world needs to remove the excess CO2 that has already been dumped into the atmosphere. The sea, soil, vegetation, and rocks on Earth all naturally uptake CO2 from the atmosphere. Human beings can accelerate these processes in specific ways. The review summarizes the present Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology that contribute to Negative Emissions. Research currently being done has suggested future perspectives and directions of various methods for Negative Emission. New generations of technologies have emerged as a result of recent advancements in surface chemistry, material synthesis, and engineering design. These technologies may influence the large-scale deployment of existing CO2 capture technologies in the future.
References
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24 May 2022
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors present a comprehensive assessment of our understanding of global warming of 1.5°C, future climate change, potential impacts and associated risks, emission pathways, and system transitions consistent with 1.0°C global warming, and strengthening the global response to climate change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.
Abstract: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change. It provides regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation. This IPCC Special Report is a comprehensive assessment of our understanding of global warming of 1.5°C, future climate change, potential impacts and associated risks, emission pathways, and system transitions consistent with 1.5°C global warming, and strengthening the global response to climate change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty. It serves policymakers, decision makers, stakeholders and all interested parties with unbiased, up-to-date, policy-relevant information. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
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TL;DR: The third part of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as discussed by the authors, Climate Change 2013/2014, was prepared by its Working Group III.
Abstract: This is the third part of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — Climate Change 2013/2014 — and was prepared by its Working Group III. The volume provides a comprehensive and transparent assessment of relevant options for mitigating climate change through limiting or preventing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as activities that reduce their concentrations in the atmosphere.
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2,040 citations
University of Aberdeen1, University of California, Irvine2, Technical University of Berlin3, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research4, Hertie School of Governance5, Stanford University6, University of New England (United States)7, Utrecht University8, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency9, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis10, ETH Zurich11, Centre national de la recherche scientifique12, University of Oslo13, Met Office14, University of Exeter15, University of East Anglia16, University of São Paulo17, University of Maryland, College Park18, Carnegie Mellon University19, National Institute for Environmental Studies20, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory21, Korea University22
TL;DR: In this article, the authors quantify potential global impacts of different negative emissions technologies on various factors (such as land, greenhouse gas emissions, water, albedo, nutrients and energy) to determine the biophysical limits to, and economic costs of, their widespread application.
Abstract: To have a >50% chance of limiting warming below 2 °C, most recent scenarios from integrated assessment models (IAMs) require large-scale deployment of negative emissions technologies (NETs). These are technologies that result in the net removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. We quantify potential global impacts of the different NETs on various factors (such as land, greenhouse gas emissions, water, albedo, nutrients and energy) to determine the biophysical limits to, and economic costs of, their widespread application. Resource implications vary between technologies and need to be satisfactorily addressed if NETs are to have a significant role in achieving climate goals.
974 citations
University of California, Irvine1, California Institute of Technology2, Carnegie Institution for Science3, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research4, National Renewable Energy Laboratory5, Carnegie Mellon University6, Stanford University7, Colorado State University8, Massachusetts Institute of Technology9, Rocky Mountain Institute10, Imperial College London11, Joint BioEnergy Institute12, College of the Holy Cross13, Colorado School of Mines14, University of Colorado Boulder15, New York University16, Arizona State University17, University of California, Davis18, University of California, Berkeley19, Santa Fe Institute20
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine barriers and opportunities associated with these difficult-to-decarbonize services and processes, including possible technological solutions and research and development priorities, and examine the use of existing technologies to meet future demands for these services without net addition of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Abstract: Some energy services and industrial processes-such as long-distance freight transport, air travel, highly reliable electricity, and steel and cement manufacturing-are particularly difficult to provide without adding carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere. Rapidly growing demand for these services, combined with long lead times for technology development and long lifetimes of energy infrastructure, make decarbonization of these services both essential and urgent. We examine barriers and opportunities associated with these difficult-to-decarbonize services and processes, including possible technological solutions and research and development priorities. A range of existing technologies could meet future demands for these services and processes without net addition of CO2 to the atmosphere, but their use may depend on a combination of cost reductions via research and innovation, as well as coordinated deployment and integration of operations across currently discrete energy industries.
951 citations