This company is trying to solve climate change by using giant machines to suck CO2 out of the air.

Carbon Engineering’s Direct Air Capture machines

As we consume oil (by driving cars) and coal (by generating electricity) that we extract from the ground, it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which causes our planet to heat up. Kids around the world say the same thing – “Let’s just remove all the carbon dioxide from the air and put it back into the ground where it came from.” Meanwhile, scientists pooh-poohed the “silly idea” saying, “They’re just kids! What do they know!” Well today kids can triumphantly raise their fists in the air and shout “We told you so!” A company out of British Columbia has created a machine that can suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and put it back into the ground!

The company is Carbon Engineering and the process they developed is called Direct Air Capture, a form of “negative emissions” technology meaning, we eliminate more CO2 that we make. Direct Air Capture uses a giant machine, about the size of a small building, with huge fans that suck in air from the outside and run it through a chemical process that removes carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon dioxide gas is then compressed and stored in containers so it can be injected back into the ground – where it came from in the first place!

Nobody is sure if negative emissions technologies will really work. It still needs to be tested. And even if it does work, it is not the cure for global warming. To truly reverse climate change, we have to change how we use energy, be more responsible, and use science and technology to keep our planet clean and safe.

Other ways we can remove CO2 from the air

Removing CO2 from the air is an important step in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Here are some ways to remove CO2 from the air:

1. Plant Trees: Trees absorb CO2 as part of photosynthesis. Therefore, planting more trees and preserving forests can help remove CO2 from the air. Trees also release oxygen, which is essential for human and animal life.
2. Carbon Capture: Carbon capture technology captures CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can then be stored underground or used in industrial processes. Carbon capture is an effective way to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
3. Ocean Fertilization: Ocean fertilization involves adding nutrients to the ocean to encourage the growth of phytoplankton. These tiny organisms absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, and when they die, they sink to the bottom of the ocean, taking the CO2 with them. This method can help reduce CO2 in the atmosphere and also increase marine biodiversity.
4. Direct Air Capture: Direct air capture technology uses chemicals to bind with CO2 in the air, which can then be stored underground or used in industrial processes. This method can help reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere and can be used in areas where other methods are not feasible.
5. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): BECCS involves burning biomass for energy and capturing the resulting CO2 emissions. The captured CO2 can then be stored underground, effectively removing it from the atmosphere. BECCS can help reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere and also provide renewable energy.

These methods can help remove CO2 from the air and mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the first place is also crucial in preventing the worst effects of climate change. We need to adopt more sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and adopting eco-friendly lifestyles.