Carbon capture

<p>Avoiding emissions has an intrinsic value, but in many cases is simply not possible with existing technologies (for example, transport and manufacturing). </p> <p>One possible alternative is to offset emissions by taking carbon out of the atmosphere. For instance, planting a tree would capture $CO_2$ and store it in itself and the ground. </p> <p>The biggest challenge is that there are no carbon capture technologies available that can sequester enough gas. The density of $CO_2$ in the atmosphere is relatively low, meaning the technologies would need a gigantic footprint. </p> <p>This is slightly different for capturing at the source. For example, while making cement or steel (see: <a class="wikilink" href="/literature/202311101921_the_biggest_problem_is_making_things/">202311101921 The biggest problem is making Things</a>). A carbon capture system could be installed directly at the exhaust of chimneys. </p> <p>There are many <a class="wikilink" href="/companies_working_on_carbon_capture/">companies working on carbon capture</a>.</p>