Daily Current Affairs : 16-December-2023

The recent COP28 conference in Dubai has put forth draft decisions aiming to combat carbon emissions through the adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies. This essay delves into the methods, importance, and challenges associated with these technologies.

CCS and CDR Technologies: Understanding the Methods

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):

  • Definition: Involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) at emission sources before release.
  • Sources: Fossil fuel industries (coal, oil, gas) and industrial processes like steel and cement production. Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR):
  • Nature and Technologies: Natural means (afforestation) and advanced methods (direct air capture, enhanced rock weathering).
Importance in Achieving Global Warming Goals

IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6):

  • Reliance: Heavily depends on CCS and CDR for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  • Sequestration Scale: Aims to sequester 5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040. No Pathway Without CDR:
  • Lack of a pathway in AR6 without integrating CDR technologies.
  • Current emission rates risk surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold within seven years. Significant Role in Mitigation:
  • Achieving the 1.5 degrees Celsius target solely through direct measures is nearly impossible, necessitating reliance on CDR technologies.
Challenges of CCS and CDR Technologies

Risk of Continued Emissions:

  • Concerns: CCS and CDR may inadvertently permit continued emissions.
  • Consequence: Potential for increased emissions or prolonged reliance on fossil fuels. CCS for Enhanced Oil Extraction:
  • Issue: Use of CCS for extracting more oil may hinder the transition to renewable energy.
  • Concern: Potential prolongation of reliance on fossil fuels. Land Constraints for CDR Methods:
  • Affected Methods: Afforestation, reforestation, BECCS, and direct air capture.
  • Challenge: Limited land availability, impacting land rights, biodiversity, and essential land-use like agriculture.
Important Points:

CCS and CDR Technologies: Understanding the Methods Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):

  • Captures CO₂ at emission sources.
  • Targets fossil fuel industries and industrial processes.

Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR):

  • Utilizes natural and advanced methods.

Importance in Achieving Global Warming Goals

IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6):

  • Heavy reliance on CCS and CDR for limiting global warming.
  • Aims to sequester 5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040.

No Pathway Without CDR:

  • Lack of a viable pathway in AR6 without integrating CDR technologies.
  • Risk of surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold within seven years.

Significant Role in Mitigation:

  • Achieving 1.5 degrees Celsius target without CDR technologies is nearly impossible.

Challenges of CCS and CDR Technologies

Risk of Continued Emissions:

  • Concerns about inadvertently permitting continued emissions.
  • Potential for increased emissions or prolonged reliance on fossil fuels.

CCS for Enhanced Oil Extraction:

  • Use of CCS for extracting more oil may hinder the transition to renewable energy.

Land Constraints for CDR Methods:

  • Afforestation, reforestation, BECCS, and direct air capture face challenges due to limited land availability.
  • Impacts land rights, biodiversity, and essential land-use like agriculture.
Why In News

At COP28 in Dubai, UAE, draft decisions have proposed the reduction and elimination of carbon emissions through the adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies. The focus is on addressing unabated fossil fuels, emphasizing the imperative to “phase out” the combustion of these fuels without employing CCS technologies for emission capture. Additionally, the negotiations underscore the importance of incentivizing the widespread implementation of sustainable energy alternatives to achieve a comprehensive transition to a low-carbon future.

MCQs about Tackling Carbon Emissions at COP28

  1. What is the primary focus of COP28 in Dubai regarding carbon emissions?
    A. Expansion of fossil fuel industries.
    B. Adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies.
    C. Promotion of renewable energy sources.
    D. Exploration of alternative energy solutions.
    Correct Answer: B. Adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies.
    Explanation: COP28 in Dubai primarily focuses on adopting CCS and CDR technologies to address carbon emissions.
  2. According to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), what does the world aim to achieve by 2040 in terms of carbon sequestration?
    A. 1 billion tonnes of CO₂.
    B. 3 billion tonnes of CO₂.
    C. 5 billion tonnes of CO₂.
    D. 7 billion tonnes of CO₂.
    Correct Answer: C. 5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040.
    Explanation: According to AR6, the world aims to sequester 5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040.
  3. Why does the AR6 lack a viable pathway to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius target without integrating CDR technologies?
    A. Lack of technological advancements.
    B. Insufficient renewable energy adoption.
    C. Continued reliance on fossil fuels.
    D. Limited government support.
    Correct Answer: C. Continued reliance on fossil fuels.
    Explanation: The AR6 lacks a pathway without integrating CDR technologies due to the continued reliance on fossil fuels.
  4. What potential risk is associated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) for enhanced oil extraction?
    A. Accelerated transition to renewable energy.
    B. Increased emissions.
    C. Cost-effective carbon capture.
    D. Enhanced biodiversity.
    Correct Answer: B. Increased emissions.
    Explanation: The potential risk associated with CCS for enhanced oil extraction is increased emissions, as it may hinder the transition to renewable energy.

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