Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This thesis interrogates Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as a possibility for limiting anthropogenic forcings of global average temperature increases. Utilizing an economic lens, through the Hotelling Model and cost benefit analysis, the feasibility of various International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations are examined. Particular attention is paid to Carbfix, an Icelandic company and scientific research endeavor, and the costs associated with their specific CCS technologies. The Carbfix geochemical CCS method is compared to biogeochemical sequestration in the form of blue and green carbon sinks. The establishment of a simulated Hotelling Model adapted to carbon sequestration demonstrates that the more carbon sequestered, the greater the benefits. Carbfix is an incredible technology and one that can occur concurrently with blue and green carbon sinks to offset past and present carbon emissions for atmospheric repair, but is insufficient to meaningfully reduce future anthropogenic emissions. Therefore, emissions reductions must occur to allow for carbon sequestration to fruitfully impact greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere overall. It is best to prioritize Carbfix sequestration stations for direct air capture of previous emissions to repair the atmosphere, rather than utilize them for present and future emissions which could instead be prevented pre-emission. Carbfix alone cannot align humanity to the needed IPCC pathways, but it can facilitate sequestration of previous emissions so long as this is the focus.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

First Advisor

Timothy Rakitan

Date of Graduation

5-2023

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

71

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Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.

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