Geo-engineering solutions to counterbalance rising CO2 emissions, such as air capture devices, are relatively undeveloped, and their exact cost is a matter of debate. – AP Photo

LONDON: Geo-engineering technology to absorb climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere can be rolled out by 2018, the UK’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME) said.

The institution is demonstrating the air capture technology on Wednesday evening on a small scale as the UK government and academics meet to discuss its potential.

The device, resembling a giant fly swat, is a thousand times more effective at absorbing carbon dioxide from the air than a tree of about the same size, according to the IME, whose members are developing it.

Once captured, the CO2 could be used in industrial processes or safely stored underground.

“Apart from being a vital technology for dealing with difficult-to-manage emissions like those from aviation and shipping, this technology could also be a vital tool for setting a definitive price for CO2,” said Tim Fox, head of environment at the institution.

“This could help provide more investor certainty for companies wanting to invest in big projects like building new power stations, wind farms or factories,” he added.

Geo-engineering solutions to counterbalance rising CO2 emissions, such as air capture devices, are relatively undeveloped, and their exact cost is a matter of debate.

But as international climate talks look unlikely to deliver a legally binding deal to cut emissions, geo-engineering technologies are being looked at as a way to manage them.

This week an international survey showed that over 70 per cent  of respondents were in favour of research into engineering to combat global warming.

Many experts view such solutions as a “last resort”, however, and say governments should focus on proven technologies such as wind, solar power and energy efficiency.

IME said the CO2 air capture devices can be rolled out at less cost and at a smaller scale than other climate change mitigating technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

The UK government last week cancelled plans to fund a CCS demonstration project in Scotland, signalling the technology is too costly.

“As this device shows, this breakthrough technology works. What we need from government and industry isn’t vast amounts of funding, but strategic direction of where this technology could fit into the strategy for dealing with climate change,” said Fox.

Opinion

Broken promises

Broken promises

Perhaps the biggest impediment to the successful mainstreaming of ex-Fata and its development has been the lack of funding.

Editorial

Wake-up call
Updated 09 Nov, 2024

Wake-up call

Pakistan must heed UN's wake-up call and bring its laws and practices in line with its international human rights obligations.
Foreign banks’ exit
09 Nov, 2024

Foreign banks’ exit

WHY are foreign banks leaving Pakistan? In the last couple of decades, we have seen a number of global banking...
Kurram protest
09 Nov, 2024

Kurram protest

FED up with the state’s apathy towards their plight, the people of Kurram tribal district took to the streets on...
IHK resolution
Updated 08 Nov, 2024

IHK resolution

If the BJP administration were to listen to Kashmiris, it could pave the way for the resumption of the political process in IHK.
Climate realities
08 Nov, 2024

Climate realities

THE Air Quality Index in Lahore once again shot past the 1,000-level mark on Wednesday morning, registering at an...
Rule by fear
08 Nov, 2024

Rule by fear

THE abduction of an opposition MNA, as claimed by PTI, is yet another grim episode in Pakistan’s ongoing crisis of...