Why do we need direct air capture (DAC)?

It is international scientific consensus that carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) emissions need to reach net-zero no later than 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. To avert the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, cutting CO₂ emissions is essential. But it isn’t enough. We also need technologies that remove existing CO₂. Even if the world hits all its emissions reduction targets, we still need to take out ~20bn tonnes of CO₂ every year to prevent catastrophic environmental impacts.

How is DAC different from CCS?

Direct air capture (DAC) is the process of capturing CO₂ from the ambient air which makes it a highly scalable approach. Our approach allows for the amount of CO₂ removed to be easily measured and verified. Both the amount of chemicals used for capture and the weight of output can be calculated. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a way of reducing carbon emissions from industrial processes in hard-to-abate sectors such as the manufacturing of ethanol, fertilizers, steel, and cement. Carbon capture and storage from their point source of CO₂ may be necessary to significantly reduce their emissions and avoid longer timelines for decarbonization.

How do you store the CO₂ you capture through DAC?

We store the carbon captured in a mineralized form. Mineral carbonates, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), minimize impacts on the local ecosystems by reducing the risk of leakage and permanently sequestering carbon dioxide for thousands of years .

alicemoircapture6, Author at Capture6

Industrial chimney with red and white stripes chuffs large amounts of smoke with blue sky and clouds behind it

The Inflation Reduction Act gives carbon removal a big boost

Posted by alicemoircapture6 on August 16, 2022 | Featured

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will soon be law, and it is a massive step for US climate ambitions, bringing $369 billion for climate solutions. In particular, carbon removal will get a big lift. … Read More

Geochemical Negative Emissions Technologies

Posted by alicemoircapture6 on August 5, 2022 | Featured

Over the previous two decades, a diverse array of geochemical negative emissions technologies (NETs) have been proposed, which use alkaline minerals for removing and permanently storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). … Read More

Illustrated visual of smoke coming out of chimneys representing C02 and a man with a clip board with dollar symbols floating around

The EU’s Carbon Border Tax Could Hurt Developing Countries

Posted by alicemoircapture6 on June 29, 2022 | Featured

While the European Union’s proposed carbon border tax could help to cut emissions and level the competitive playing field for EU-based firms, it risks hurting poorer countries. … Read More

Person in full PPE carrying green trash bags over their shoulder

Why Health Systems Need a Climate Reckoning

Posted by alicemoircapture6 on June 16, 2022 | Featured

What tobacco is to personal health, greenhouse gas emissions are to planetary health. Decades after recognizing their danger, humans continue to emit over 50 billion tons of CO2 a year. … Read More

The Race For Carbon Capture Is On – Picture of rock type grain on grey surface coming out of a bottle

And Suddenly, The Race For Carbon Capture Is On

Posted by alicemoircapture6 on June 14, 2022 | Featured

While cutting CO2 emissions still remains the first line of defense against global warming, drastic emissions reduction is no longer sufficient. … Read More

Close up water image, dark blue with the sun shining off it with orange tones

Capture6 Selected for Aotearoa Climate Accelerator by Creative HQ

Posted by alicemoircapture6 on March 23, 2022 | Featured

The commitment to environmental stewardship is apparent when being on any forested trail or near any pristine lake in Aotearoa New Zealand. This widespread protection and conservation of nature has roots in indigenous Maori relationship and care for whenua, the land. … Read More

Author Archives: alicemoircapture6