Building Public Acceptability for Carbon Capture and Sequestration

Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS) could prove an essential component of the effort to address the climate change challenge. While demonstration projects across the globe can show that CCS risks are low, public perception of such risks will be critical in infl uencing how policy and regulatory frameworks develop around the technology. This brief outlines the risks associated with CCS, describes how the public views the technology, and explains what can be done to develop long-term public support. We conclude that the best way to build public acceptance for CCS is by developing large, well-managed demonstration projects; promoting robust regulations and industry standards; and creating more interactive public outreach and education programs.