Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) are frequently misrepresented as forms of carbon dioxide removal. In actuality, rather than remove CO2 from the atmosphere, CCS and CCU, at best, reduce or delay new emissions.

CCS is a process where CO2 from industrial sources is trapped and then compressed and stored typically permanently underground. However, sometimes it can be injected into oil wells for so-called enhanced oil recovery, leading to further pollution.

CCU is a process that uses generated CO2 directly or indirectly in products or industrial processes, thereby delaying rather than eliminating emissions.

To read a full description and best use guide for carbon capture processes, check out our Carbon Negative Handbook.