Carbon Sequestration and Sustainability

Abstract

This Symposium Essay explores the question of whether the developing technology of geologic carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), which involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and power plants and sequestering them underground, is consisting with principles of sustainable development. This Essay concludes that while CCS on its own may not be consistent with basic principles of sustainability, it presents a potential opportunity to create sufficiently deep cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to allow the transition to a more sustainable future.

Keywords: Geologic Carbon Capture and Sequestration, CCS, Sustainability, Climate Change, Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change Mitigation