Voices from the Frontlines
Community Perspectives on Carbon Dioxide Removal
The Climate Task at Hand
People and wildlife worldwide are experiencing the dangerous effects of a warming planet. Given the historic failure to stop emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) at the rate we need to address this warming, scientists agree that large amounts of CO2 will need to be removed and permanently stored to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. Even the lowest estimates for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) suggest that large industries must be created, in addition to rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuel-based energy and employing other nature-based and technological solutions.
New CDR projects will likely be built near the boundaries of or within existing communities, potentially altering or disrupting daily life. This storymap, in addition to demonstrating what development currently looks like, is meant to uplift the perspective–including the hopes, concerns, and fears–of community members living in places that may see substantial buildout of CDR. We need to consider far more than just technical and economic characteristics if CDR is to center climate and environmental justice. The answer to whether a project can be done is different than if it should be done. Additionally, building new infrastructure is always context-specific.
Despite the prominence of national and international CDR goals, each facility will eventually be located in a specific community and ecosystem and can affect people’s way of life; a one-size-fits-all approach will fail to achieve our collective goals. For CDR to be a climate solution for all, it cannot be built where it is not wanted, and the desires of the underrepresented in particular, must be prioritized.
Pathways for CO2 Removal
Scientists around the world agree that to prevent the worst impacts of warming, we will need to drastically reduce our emissions and the amount of historic emissions that have been building up in our atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. These legacy CO2 emissions are absorbed as part of the natural carbon cycle through forests, grasslands, wetlands, the ocean, and other ecosystems. But as CO2 emissions have continued to build up, our natural systems have become overwhelmed and subject to the increasingly dire impacts of climate change. Technological and hybrid solutions to remove CO2 from the atmosphere are being considered to fill this vital gap.
Direct Air Capture (DAC): DAC is a technological CDR pathway that relies on fans to push large volumes of air through contactors where the CO2 in the ambient air is then chemically bound in a process that is typically either solvent- or sorbent-based. Then the CO2 is separated, compressed, and transported to permanent underground storage. Since DAC can pull CO2 directly from the atmosphere, it can be located anywhere but will rely on substantial amounts of energy—ideally renewables—to power the process.
Biomass Carbon Dioxide Removal and Storage (BiCRS): BiCRS is another technology-based CDR pathway that uses organic material to capture and store CO2 – a natural process plants undergo during their growth. Both wastes and purpose-grown crops may be used. One approach would implement bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where biomass is used to produce energy and the CO2 generated in the process is captured and stored underground. Another method would involve converting biomass into bio-oil, an oil-like substance that is stored underground without producing energy. The climate impact of CO2 removal based on carbon uptake by plants may vary substantially. It could even lead to increased net emissions, depending on the type of feedstock, sourcing method, processing emissions, and other factors. BiCRS may also present considerable trade-offs related to: indirect land use change and increased competition for agricultural lands, long-term reductions in ecosystem carbon storage and productivity, impacts to biodiversity related to land conversion or management intensification, the emission of health-harming pollutants during biomass processing and use (a key concern for environmental justice advocates), and increased water demand.
Macroalgae Cultivation and Sinking: This process involves growing seaweed (macroalgae), which naturally absorbs CO2 as it grows in ocean-based farms. Once harvested, the seaweed can be sunken into the deep ocean, sequestering its carbon for long periods of time.
Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE): OAE involves adding alkaline substances, such as olivine and basalt, to the ocean to increase its natural capacity to absorb and store CO2. By enhancing the ocean's alkalinity, this method promotes the chemical reactions that convert CO2 into bicarbonate and (to a lesser extent) carbonate ions, which are then stored in the ocean for long periods of time.
Siting Considerations
What needs to be taken into account when planning CDR?
The map on this slide shows the location of geologic reservoirs across the U.S. that are suitable for storing captured CO2 in blue, and the existing network of CO2 pipelines in black. When siting potential CDR projects, considering proximity to these geologic storage sites can substantially reduce the distance that CO2 needs to be transported, lowering costs, energy requirements, and the need for extensive transport infrastructure.
The technical availability of suitable storage sites is not the only important factor to consider in CDR planning. CDR facilities, both at the point of capture and the point of storage, have potential to be built near existing communities. Therefore, it is essential to robustly engage with these communities to understand their concerns, mitigate any potential negative impacts, and ensure CDR projects are designed to benefit local populations.
When planning the deployment of energy-intensive CDR pathways such as DAC, it is crucial to consider the energy requirements and sources that will power these operations. To ensure that DAC projects result in net-negative emissions, they must be powered by renewable energy. However, renewable energy’s current capacity is limited, posing the risk that energy-hungry DAC plants could require clean energy from the main power grid that would otherwise go to homes, hospitals, and other critical locations. To address this, CDR planners should prioritize co-siting DAC and other energy-intensive facilities with dedicated renewable energy infrastructure such as solar or wind farms. By developing DAC and renewables in tandem, we can ensure these projects are truly additional and not cannibalizing clean energy needed elsewhere.
This map shows the solar power potential across the U.S. with darker shades of orange indicating areas with higher solar energy resources.
The Southwest, particularly the desert regions of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, stands out as having some of the greatest potential for solar power generation. These areas align well with the arid and semi-arid conditions that are often optimal for DAC siting.
The Southeast and Midwest also show significant solar potential, which could support co-located DAC and other CDR projects.
This map visualizes the wind power potential across the U.S. with darker shades of blue indicating areas with higher wind energy resources.
The central "wind belt" stretching from Texas northward through the Great Plains and into the Dakotas, stands out as having some of the greatest potential for wind power generation. This region benefits from strong, consistent winds that make it well-suited for large-scale wind farm development.
Significant wind potential can also be seen along the Appalachian Mountains in the East, in parts of the West, and offshore along the coasts.
While the Southwest emerged as a hotspot for solar, the Central and Great Plains regions are clear candidates for pairing CDR with wind power. A strategic approach could involve distributing CDR facilities across these high-solar and high-wind areas, and developing dedicated renewable energy infrastructure in each location to fully power the carbon removal process.
The offshore wind potential is also noteworthy as it opens up the possibility of siting DAC or other CDR plants along the coasts and powering them with abundant ocean winds. This could be especially attractive in areas where onshore siting faces constraints or where there are opportunities to co-locate CDR with coastal industries and infrastructure.
The map on this slide showcases geothermal energy potential across the U.S. with darker shades of red indicating areas with higher geothermal resources.
Geothermal hotspots are primarily concentrated in the western states, particularly in California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and Hawaii. These areas are characterized by high heat flow and favorable geologic conditions that allow for the efficient tapping of geothermal energy.
The map also plots the locations of existing geothermal power plants as points, providing a sense of where this renewable resource is already being harnessed.
When considering the energy needs of CDR projects like DAC, geothermal energy offers another promising avenue for pairing carbon removal with clean, consistent power. While geothermal resources are more geographically concentrated than solar or wind, the areas of high potential align well with some of the regions that have been identified as favorable for CDR siting based on other criteria like geologic storage capacity and low population density. Research on enhanced geothermal systems might also provide more opportunities for siting geothermal facilities in the future.
The co-location of existing geothermal plants with areas of high resource potential suggests opportunities to leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to power CDR projects. For example, DAC facilities could be sited adjacent to geothermal power plants, tapping into the same renewable energy source and benefiting from shared infrastructure and workforce.
Geothermal energy also has some unique advantages that could make it particularly well-suited for certain CDR applications. Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent, geothermal provides a stable, around-the-clock power source that could help ensure a consistent energy supply for CDR operations. Additionally, some emerging technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could allow for the co-utilization of geothermal reservoirs for both power generation and CO2 storage, creating synergies between renewable energy and permanent carbon removal.
Equity and Justice
The map on this slide overlays two important datasets for considering equity and justice in the context of CDR development in the U.S. The shades of red indicate the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Environmental Justice Index, with darker red representing areas that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The black outlined shapes denote "energy communities" that have experienced the recent closure of a coal-fired power plant as designated by the Department of Energy—these are regions currently experiencing job losses and economic challenges due to the transition away from fossil fuels.
The intersection of these two datasets highlights a complex landscape for CDR planning and deployment. On one hand, energy communities facing economic hardship may welcome new industries and job opportunities that CDR projects could bring. Developing CDR facilities in these areas, if done through meaningful community partnership and a focus on local benefits, has the potential to support a just transition for workers and regions historically reliant on fossil fuels.
However, the overlap of energy communities with areas of high environmental justice concern, raises important questions about the equitable distribution of CDR's benefits and burdens. Many of the communities that have suffered the greatest harms from the fossil fuel industry are also those that have been systematically marginalized and overburdened by other polluting industries and socioeconomic stressors. There is a real risk that without careful planning and strong community leadership, CDR development could perpetuate these patterns of injustice.
Balancing the economic opportunities of CDR with the need for restorative justice in overburdened communities will require a nuanced, context-specific approach. It necessitates meaningfully empowering environmental justice communities to shape decision-making processes and centering their visions for a healthier future. CDR projects must be designed to directly benefit and resource frontline communities, guided by local knowledge and priorities.
The path forward is not one-size-fits-all—in some cases, CDR may align well with community goals; in others, it may not be appropriate or welcomed. What is essential is that these communities have the power to choose what is right for them and that CDR planning prioritizes their agency and wellbeing. By working in solidarity with communities striving for justice—both in areas with energy transition opportunities and those already overburdened—the CDR field can help build a more equitable, regenerative future.
Current Projects
Where is CDR being deployed now?
The map below shows carbon dioxide removal projects that have already been deployed or will be deployed in the near future, excluding those happening in a closed lab environment. Select any of the points to learn more.
Community Perspectives
To better understand how communities might perceive CDR projects, organizations working on environmental and climate justice, and tribal engagement across the Central Valley of California, Gulf Coast, Central Appalachia, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Northeastern seaboard, shared their perspectives about CDR. These responses are not representative of all communities, but can help shed light on some of the concerns and aspirations that communities may have around this industry.
Central Valley, California
Irene Burga Márquez, director of the climate justice and clean air program at GreenLatinos, raised concerns about the industrial nature of CDR facilities. "Industry. It's industrial, another industrial source and facility. So some of the images are just... industrial facility, industrial facility, people, Black and brown people nearby, air pollution." Audrey Alonso, environmental justice communications manager at Our Climate, highlighted the fear of CO2 leakage and seismic activity in California, noting that "CO2 leakage and seismic activity just being in California is something that scares a lot of people." Márquez stressed the importance of open conversations and respecting community opposition, emphasizing that "if the community opposes the project, to actually agree to not move forward with the project... if we say no, that means no."
Gulf Coast, Texas
Houston, known as the energy capital of the world, has a history deeply rooted in petrochemicals and fossil fuels, which have disproportionately impacted low-income communities. Alexander Spike, a climate justice coordinator at Air Alliance Houston, remarked that "Houston is the energy capital of the world... and a whole lot of different energy-intensive industries co-locate in the energy capital of the world. This has a cumulative impact and it's hyper-concentrated in just a handful of communities with consequences that are extremely dire and disproportionately impact people of color and low-income communities." As long as DAC isn’t used to offset pollutive industries, Spike believes that “There's great interest in DAC as a carbon removal technology. I think there's a lot of value in using it as sort of a municipal good. Removing carbon that, if left in the atmosphere, will contribute to heating.”
Paige Powell, a senior policy manager at Commission Shift, emphasized the inefficiency of using scarce resources for energy-intensive DAC, noting that "The climate crisis is an energy crisis, a water crisis. And so looking at that energy-water-climate nexus in the context of CDR and DAC is especially interesting because it's so energy-intensive and is not the most efficient use of our scarce resources."
Central Appalachia
Appalachia, with its stunning landscapes and significant natural resources, is also marked by complex political and economic dynamics. Angie Rosser, formerly the executive director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and now serving as vice president for One Federation at National Wildlife Federation, described the region's juxtaposition of pristine headwaters and extreme poverty. "West Virginia’s a beautiful state full of mountains and rivers and forested areas... And we're among the poorest states in the country. My county is probably one of the poorest counties in the country. We have a median individual income of about $20,000 and lots of poverty. Yet corporations have made billions and billions of dollars taking the coal and gas out from under our feet." Rosser voiced skepticism about the feasibility and safety of technologies like DAC, comparing them to science fiction: "It is hard for me to wrap my head around the technology.”
Chelsea Barnes, director of government affairs and strategy for Appalachian Voices, pointed out concerns like the uncertainty surrounding the long-term storage of CO2 and the potentially overblown promises of jobs associated with CDR projects and fears around the environmental impacts of pipelines. She noted that "The jobs part jumped out at me. We hear that a lot. And I think sometimes it gets overblown. We've had promises of jobs that just have not manifested so I have some skepticism about that and what jobs and how we would train a workforce," while also emphasizing how CDR might fit into a holistic future for the community, “It's a region that's still really proud of its coal heritage. There's a lot of interest in these kinds of … clean energy technologies that can help people retain the energy producing heritage. Folks are still really interested in honoring that history by moving to things like solar, wind, carbon capture, hydrogen and nuclear, and all sorts of different energy technologies that they see as being good job replacements, good tax revenue replacements, and honoring that energy heritage.”
Pacific Northwest
The Olympic Coast of Washington, a remote area with significant impacts from logging and climate change, presents unique challenges for CDR. An anonymous interviewee from Port Angeles expressed concerns about the potential ecological impacts of marine carbon removal projects, particularly on sensitive species like salmon: "Years ago I probably was thinking of carbon removal as a much simpler math equation... Now my word or image is probably ‘salmon.’ That's the biggest sensitive Endangered Species Act-listed species that will be affected by marine carbon removal projects in this area."
Tommy Moore, an oceanographer at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, detailed challenges related to previous iron fertilization explorations due the nature of the coastline and highlighted what must be done to make carbon dioxide removal more responsible and just, “I think the trick is meaningful consultation and engagement early and often where tribes or communities and franchise communities have a meaningful say in what's happening and where their concerns are heard and addressed. And for treaty tribes, they are domestic sovereigns and treaties are the supreme law of land. … Basically, that building of trust and coalition.”
Kara Cardinal, coordinator at the Strait Ecosystem Recovery Network, raised questions about the impacts on local species, biodiversity, and community ownership of CDR projects. "How will it impact our local species, biodiversity, eelgrass habitat both on the ground or shading out or the change of the water or will it be polluting anything or changing the temperature of the water?"
Midwest (Iowa)
In Iowa, industrial agriculture has led to significant environmental degradation and pollution. Sally Hartman, an organizer with 100Grannies For a Livable Future, stressed that the power has gone from small farmers to big corporate farming activity which has led to significant runoff, polluted aquifers, and biodiversity and soil loss. She sees regenerative agriculture as a key carbon removal strategy and noted the long-term importance of addressing climate issues, "I see children being able to live to their full potential because they live on a planet that provides them with all they need to be successful. And if we don't solve the climate issue, including taking out carbon, then their lives will be at risk."
Maureen McCue, a retired physician and coordinator for the Iowa chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, echoed concerns about the state's agricultural activity, stating, “Here in Iowa, being a large industrial agriculture state, our significant concerns are with environmental degradation – including biodiversity loss, soil loss, serious water and air pollution – an aging and shrinking rural population -- and the relations of each of these to the very powerful industrial agriculture-based economy…” She also highlighted the potential benefits of using CO2 in products if done responsibly, “Cement is one of the big CO2 producers. So if we could use some of that CO2 that people are trying to capture and put it into cement, that would be something – if they were careful about pollutants, about disruption, about unequal impacts to the environment around them … The science is evolving. Other products are being explored or developed for strength, durability, as part of efforts at reducing CO2 emissions.”
Northeastern Shoreboard
Long Island is a densely populated area facing, among other things, a rising cost of living crisis and the threat of sea level rise. Mark Haubner, president of the North Fork Environmental Council in Mattituck, Long Island, emphasized the inseparable connection between the environment and the economy. "Our environment is our economy and our economy is our environment. They're inextricable, which I'm very happy about." He highlighted the need for robust and fair community benefits agreements, pointing out that "Community benefits agreements are a sore wound out here. They’ve been shortchanging the community. We don't demand enough."
Haubner stressed the importance of proactive community involvement in project planning, stating, "We're trying to be less reactive on any project that comes into town and rather be proactive." He also discussed the significance of steady revenue and proper payments for easements, emphasizing that these are essential for community acceptance and support of CDR projects. "First: steady revenue. People are in love with steady revenue. I can't blame them. Second: proper payments for easements if we give them, which again is recurring revenue – it's an ongoing lease, it's a rent."
Responsible Deployment
What could make the deployment of these carbon dioxide removal technologies responsible?
The responsible buildout of CDR would do well to consider the insights laid out in this story map. Communities should have the power to determine what is right for themselves. Responsible CDR projects should consider proximity to geologic storage, renewable energy, and sustainable waste biomass sourcing to minimize transportation impacts. Enhanced oil recovery has no place in responsible CDR and building CDR is no excuse to continue fossil fuels or deforestation.
Technology will not solve all of our problems. As many of our interviewees highlighted, social and political questions—who consumes, who profits, who sacrifices—should continue to be asked of all climate solutions, especially carbon removal. When considering a CDR project in a community, a developer should do early, substantial, iterative trust-building, meaningful dialogues and engagement with potential host communities before major plans are set in motion—and the dialogue should go all the way down to the grassroots, not just the local mayor and chamber of commerce. Should a project move forward, our interviewees asked that good local jobs be generated in their communities, emergency preparedness plans be put in place, and the community be able to access project data, plans, and visions as the project unfolds. Finally, some interviewees wondered if there might be opportunities for public ownership of CDR—could communities or municipalities be part of the ownership, operation, and revenue generation of CDR projects?
The CDR industry in the United States is still in its early stages, but as it grows, it remains more important than ever to talk to communities being asked to live next to new infrastructure and to ask them: what do you think?