Carbon capture via accelerated geological processes: Assessing long-term storage viability and systemic implications
Original framing: “Some technologies use accelerated natural processes to capture carbon, but can they store it durably?” — Phys.org
Historically, natural carbon sinks such as forests and oceans have fluctuated in their ability to store carbon due to climate shifts and human activity. The failure of past geoengineering attempts, such as early 20th-century soil carbon experiments, highlights the risks of assuming technological solutions can replicate natural processes reliably.
Accelerated carbon capture technologies are often framed as a natural solution to climate change, but their viability depends on a complex interplay of geological, ecological, and social factors.
Indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable insights into long-term carbon management and ecological balance, while historical precedents caution against over-reliance on untested geoengineering methods. A systemic approach must integrate scientific rigor, cross-cultural wisdom, and marginalized voices to ensure that carbon capture is both effective and equitable. Future models should prioritize adaptive governance, long-term monitoring, and community-led stewardship to avoid repeating past mistakes and to align with broader climate justice goals.