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Climate Change Solution or “Worse Than Coal”? New Research Explores Debate Around Controversial Energy Technology

Climate Change Solution or “Worse Than Coal”? New Research Explores Debate Around Controversial Energy Technology

A new study analyzed public opinion on Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), a divisive energy technology featured in the UK’s net-zero plan for 2050. The study identified eight key storylines in media coverage, ranging from viewing BECCS as a “Necessary mitigation tool” to labeling it “Worse than coal,” and found that the battle for public opinion on BECCS is far from settled.

A recent study delves into the polarizing public discourse surrounding a controversial energy technology. Supporters argue that it’s essential for fighting climate change, while detractors claim it’s even more harmful than coal.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) features heavily in the UK government’s plan to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050. However there is low public awareness of the technology, which has split the opinion of scientists, politicians, and media outlets.

BECCS generates energy by burning plants and trees and captures the resulting carbon

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EU climate policy is dangerously reliant on untested carbon-capture technology

EU climate policy is dangerously reliant on untested carbon-capture technology

Carbon-capture technology, such as this plant in the Irish Sea, is at the research, development and demonstration stage.Credit: Dominic Lipinski/Bloomberg/Getty

Last week, the European Commission published its long-awaited recommendations for climate targets for 2040. The commission, which is the executive arm of the European Union, is recommending that EU member states cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels. If countries agree, this would be an interim milestone, ahead of the European Climate Law, which sets out a legally binding target for net-zero emissions by 2050.

A target cut of 90% is not as ambitious as some headlines suggest. The EU’s existing policies could reduce emissions by 88% by 2040, according to its own projections. This would be achieved mainly through phasing out coal, converting most fossil-fuel power to renewable sources such as solar, wind and tidal energy, and electrifying transport. There will still be emissions

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