Jerry Jackson At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, nearly 500 lobbyists for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have gained access to the summit, igniting controversy among climate activists and experts. This increase in CCS representation comes amid a broader reduction in overall summit participation, from 85,000 attendees last year to 70,000 this year.
Many of the CCS advocates have ties to fossil fuel interests, raising concerns that the summit is focusing on technologies that may extend reliance on coal, oil, and gas rather than prioritizing renewable solutions.
A Growing Lobbying Presence
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) revealed that 480 CCS lobbyists are attending COP29, with 55 specifically invited by the Azerbaijani government. This substantial presence places CCS advocates close to key negotiations, such as discussions on carbon market rules under the Paris Agreement.
Critics note that the CCS lobby outnumbers national delegations from countries like the United States and Canada, highlighting the growing influence of fossil fuel-aligned interests at international climate talks.
The Controversy Over Carbon Capture
Carbon capture and storage technology involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and storing them underground. Advocates argue that CCS is indispensable for reducing emissions in hard-to-decarbonize industries, such as cement and chemicals. However, the technology has sparked heated debate:
- Scalability Concerns: Large-scale CCS projects have often failed to deliver consistent results.
- Cost Issues: Renewable energy solutions are frequently more economically viable than CCS projects.
- Fossil Fuel Dependence: Many CCS initiatives support enhanced oil recovery, which involves extracting more fossil fuels, countering their intended environmental benefits.
Rachel Kennerley of CIEL labeled the strong CCS presence at COP29 as “fossil-fuel greenwashing,” arguing that reliance on the technology delays a full transition to renewable energy sources.
Advocates Highlight CCS Potential
Despite criticism, proponents emphasize the potential of CCS to meet climate goals. Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture & Storage Association, argued that CCS is essential to addressing emissions in industries where renewable solutions remain impractical.
“To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, we must utilize all available net-zero technologies,” Powis said.
Supporters also argue that CCS can work in tandem with renewable energy, filling gaps in emissions reductions for sectors that are otherwise difficult to decarbonize.
Fears of Fossil Fuel Influence
The prominent role of CCS lobbyists at COP29 has fueled concerns that fossil fuel companies are promoting the technology to sustain their business models. Activists worry that embedding CCS in climate policies could lock in fossil fuel dependence and divert resources from proven renewable solutions.
Additionally, concerns about safety and effectiveness linger. A 2022 study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis revealed that CCS projects failed far more often than they succeeded, questioning the technology’s reliability as a climate solution.
A Divided Path Forward
As COP29 discussions continue, the debate over CCS highlights a critical crossroads for global climate action. While some view carbon capture as a necessary tool for reducing emissions, others see it as an expensive distraction from the urgent transition to renewable energy.
Share Your Thoughts
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