Here's How CO2 Is Removed from the Atmosphere

Did you know that about 33 billion tons of energy-related carbon dioxide are emitted every year? This CO2 causes havoc on our planet warming it substantially and unleashing many physical risks such as floods and wildfires. 

But what if there was a way we could remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere? That’s where direct air capture comes in.

How does it work? Polluted air is sucked in with fans and pushed through a filter equipped with chemicals that can react with and remove carbon dioxide. Once the CO2 molecules are captured, very high heat is typically applied in order to release them from the chemical solvent or sorbent that houses them.

The captured CO2 is then compressed and injected deep underground. From there it can be used for other applications, stored, or in some conditions, transformed into solid rock over time.

Direct air capture can be situated anywhere as it requires less land than other carbon removal methods. How much land does it require? What chemicals does it use? How much carbon dioxide is captured by this method per year? Does it come with any negative side effects or complications? We answer all these questions and more in our video.