Addressing Health Equity in the Context of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration Technologies

Abstract

Purpose of review: To describe the role of health equity in the context of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies.

Recent findings: CCUS technologies have the potential to both improve and worsen health equity. They could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a major contributor to climate change, but they could also have negative health impacts like air and noise pollution. More research is needed to fully understand the health equity implications of CCUS technologies. CCUS technologies have both health equity risks and benefits. Implementing misguided CCUS projects in vulnerable communities could exacerbate environmental injustice and health disparities and have the potential to increase carbon emissions. However, well-conceived projects could benefit communities through economic development. Governments, industry, and society should prioritize and expedite the reduction of CO₂ emissions before considering carbon reductions via CCUS. Furthermore, CCUS projects must be thoroughly evaluated and should only proceed if they have demonstrated a net reduction in CO₂ emissions and provide more benefits than risks to local communities. This underscores the importance of prioritizing health equity in the planning of CCUS projects.

Keywords: CCUS; Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration; Climate change; Equity; Health.