Hope in CCS Could Delay Climate Action

Critique of Technological Openness

In their article for Tagesspiegel Background, CDRterra researchers Dr. Tobias Haas and Dr. Stefan Schäfer from RIFS caution against an overemphasis on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in climate protection strategies.

While CCS features prominently in many climate models, its practical implementation is questionable on such a scale. Most current CCS capacities serve oil production rather than climate mitigation. Additionally, 70% of planned CCS projects were never realized.

Misguided Investments

Expanding CCS infrastructure could hinder much-needed investments in renewable energy, storage technologies, and hydrogen. The authors stress that clear political decisions are necessary to achieve net-zero emissions, rather than relying on future technologies.

The researchers advocate for a critical reassessment of CCS’s role in climate protection and emphasize the importance of focusing on proven emission reduction measures.

For more information, read the full article, originally published on March 24, 2025, in Tagesspiegel Background.