Bioenergy with CO2 capture and storage (BECCS) has been named by the IPCC as the most promising technological breakthrough. BECCS facilities resemble coal-fired power plants, but they burn energy crops recently grown to absorb CO2 from the air during combustion. Fast-growing crops like switchgrass and trees pull CO2 from the atmosphere while growing, so the plants don’t add long-buried carbon to the atmosphere.
Geo-engineering
The Oxford Geoengineering Program has defined geo-engineering as the deliberate large-scale intervention of Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change. There are two types of geo-engineering: shading the earth from solar radiation, or negative emissions. Negative emissions are the removal of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for global warming. A recent study found that a reforestation project could stabilize climate and absorb 11 billion tons of CO2 annually. It could also serve as a bridge to zero-emissions economies.
While human activity has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution, these emissions are now amplifying the greenhouse effect, which is contributing to climate change. Geo-engineering is one possible solution, which may keep atmospheric warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, a level that is considered safe for humankind. The question remains whether geo-engineering is an effective way to combat climate change.
Artificial trees
If the carbon dioxide emitted by humans is removed by planting artificial trees, they can be buried underground to absorb carbon dioxide. These trees could also be used as fuel. Carbon dioxide can be converted into hydrocarbon fuel by adding hydrogen to it. This fuel would not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The remaining carbon would be stored in the rocks that are capable of storing huge amounts of carbon dioxide. This process is a proven way to reduce the global carbon load.
The initial cost of creating artificial trees would be around $20,000 per tree. Once they are mass produced, the cost would come down to about the same price as an average family car in the United States. But this would only be the beginning. Scientists have begun working on technology that could work in open spaces. They believe that it will take 20 to 30 years to build the perfect artificial tree, but other technologies, such as wind turbines, are already cheaper than carbon capture technology.
Solar panels
While many believe that solar panels can solve climate change, there are a number of risks associated with their installation. Some are detrimental to biodiversity. Birds could mistake them for water and land on them, laying eggs or even crashing into them. Other risks relate to a decrease in rainfall. Fossil fuels contribute to global warming, with emissions equivalent to two billion trees every year in the U.S. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), fossil fuels have a disproportionately negative effect on climate change.
The energy payback period for solar panels is similar to that of a financial investment. It takes about 20 years to offset the energy used to produce the panels. Once solar panels are installed, the positive environmental impact of those panels is long-lasting. Often, the payback period is shorter than the time needed to offset the energy costs. But this isn’t necessarily the case. It’s still worth looking into, since the energy produced by solar panels will offset their energy cost for over 20 years.
Wind turbines
Many people believe that wind turbines can solve climate change by reducing the carbon footprint and increasing energy production. But are wind turbines really an effective solution? In short, yes and no. Wind turbines increase the mixing of the lower atmosphere, increasing the amount of heat near the earth’s surface. But this does not mean that these energy systems are without negative impacts. They actually increase the temperature of the atmosphere by only a small percentage. This effect is only noticeable at night and is temporary, and is not cumulative over centuries.
The benefits of wind turbines extend well beyond energy production. They are also useful for rural areas because they can boost the value of land, and the owners of the land can farm around the base of the turbines. In addition, wind energy development can generate employment and business opportunities for the local population. And as they become more common, wind turbines can help solve climate change and increase the local economy. And if you are concerned about the costs involved, wind turbines can provide you with the most affordable solution for your community.
Storage of CO2
The best method to store CO2 is by injecting it underground in porous rock formations. The best carbon storage methods are those that use geologic storage potential and are environmentally friendly. But how can we store CO2? The following steps can be taken:
First, we need to understand what the consequences of CO2 leakage are. The risks of CO2 leakage are minimal, says lead author Dr Juan Alcalde of the University of Aberdeen. He explains that his team considered ways CO2 could escape and how we might permanently trap the gas underground. The results of this study are reported in Carbon Brief. But we still have a long way to go. Luckily, there is an affordable, nature-based solution.
Alternative energy sources
The use of alternative energy sources can solve climate change. Renewable energy sources will allow us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. While the production of fossil fuels occurs through natural processes, these are too slow and cannot replenish them as fast as human beings need them. This means that sooner or later, we will run out of them. We must build tangible alternatives and switch to renewable energy. Developing alternative energy sources is the key to reversing the effects of global warming.
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power could provide 65 percent of the world’s electricity by 2030 and decarbonize ninety percent of the power sector by 2050. By that time, the cost of solar and wind power is projected to be higher than it was pre-pandemic, while the cost of coal will increase sharply. In the meantime, renewable energy sources can provide the world with more clean energy than it is consuming today.