The Solution Set: Carbon Capture & Direct Air Capture

Carbon capture has a powerful allure. If there's too much CO2 in the atmosphere, why not remove the excess, and store it deep underground or use it in manufacturing other products? It sounds like a considerable solution on the way to a net zero carbon economy by 2050.

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One thing is clear. Canada must drastically reduce the amount of CO2 it emits into the atmosphere. The question is how? Specifically, what are the most effective means to achieve the goal of a 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 on the way to a net zero carbon emitting economy by 2050, while maintaining a strong economy? And how will the energy industry make its contribution?

Even amidst the COVID-19 crisis, climate change has remained the context for policy decisions to support the economy. It was continually invoked by critics of special measures for the hard-pressed oil and gas industry. In announcing a package focused on environmental issues and workers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Just because we’re in a health crisis doesn’t mean we can neglect the environmental crisis.”

In our first Energy Future Forum Discussion Series Report, Dale Eisler, Senior Policy Fellow at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Regina reviews the various considerations in assessing the role and merits of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and direct air capture (DAC) as part of the climate change policy toolkit.

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About the Author

Dale Eisler

Dale Eisler has an extensive background in the federal public service and Canadian journalism. After a 25-year career in journalism with Saskatchewan and national publications, Dale spent 15 years in various senior roles with the Government of Canada, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Energy Security Task Force at Natural Resources Canada. Prior to that he spent four years serving as Canada’s Consul General in Denver, CO.

Before his posting in the U.S, Dale was Assistant Secretary to the federal cabinet for Communications in the Privy Council Office and began his role in Ottawa as Assistant Deputy Minister for Communications in the Finance Department. He received the 2013 Joan Atkinson Federal Public Service Award of Excellence. He is the author of three books, including “False Expectations, Politics and the Pursuit of the Saskatchewan Myth” and, most recently in 2010, the historical fiction novel “Anton, a young boy, his friend and the Russian Revolution.”