ASU Center for Negative Carbon Emissions developing technology to remove CO2 from the air

In the United States, CO2 accounts for over 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions from human activity.  KJZZ covered a story about researchers at Arizona State University’s Center for Negative Carbon Emissions (CNCE) and their work toward technology that will remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Klaus Lackner, director of the CNCE, spoke with KJZZ in a radio interview.  He describes his research as artificially removing CO2 from the air, just like trees do in nature.  This is accomplished by using a plastic material which when dry, absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and when wet, releases the CO2.  CO2 binds to these “artificial trees” as the air passes over the surface, and can be released to feed microalgae or used in a safe and sustainable way.

Dr. Lackner emphasizes that although these technologies are being developed, we are still not quite there yet.  He stresses that it is still important to strive to reduce emissions in the interest of a sustainable future.