Exploring public acceptability of direct air carbon capture with storage: climate urgency, moral hazards and perceptions of the ‘whole versus the parts’

Abstract

Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study investigates public acceptability of direct air carbon capture with storage (DACCS) systems, which are critical for achieving climate targets through negative emission technologies. Utilizing a representative survey of 2,120 residents from the US and Canada near a proposed DACCS pilot, the research identifies two distinct groups: proponents who view the technology as beneficial and urgent for climate action, and opponents who express concerns about potential risks and moral hazards associated with continued fossil fuel reliance. The findings highlight the complexities of public perception regarding DACCS and underscore the importance of addressing social license issues for the deployment of negative emission technologies.