For the first time, a study maps safe areas that can practically be used for underground carbon storage, and estimates that using them all would only cut warming by 0.7°C. The result is almost ten times lower than previous estimates of around 6°C, which considered the total global potential for geological storage, including in risky zones, where storing carbon could trigger earthquakes and contaminate drinking water supplies. The researchers say the study shows that geological storage is a scarce, finite resource, and warn that countries must use it in a highly targeted way.



Summary

A new study mapping viable and safe geological carbon storage sites reveals their potential to curb warming is significantly less than previously thought. While past estimates suggested a 6°C reduction, this research, focusing on realistically usable sites that minimize risks like earthquakes and water contamination, estimates only a 0.7°C reduction. This stark contrast highlights that safe geological carbon storage is a limited resource. The study emphasizes the need for countries to strategically target its application for maximum impact, as its overall contribution to climate change mitigation is smaller than initially hoped.

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