• Energy Research
• GB close
• AT close
• TH close
• Transport Research close

AbstractThis paper argues that a focus on values, trust and context is vital to build a fuller understanding of public perceptions of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). Empirical data from interviews conducted in the UK and Italy as part of the EU FP7-funded ECO2 project is presented to illustrate how publics and stakeholders often evaluate the geological storage of carbon dioxide in terms of its relation to their broader world views, rather than purely in terms of the perceived techno-scientific risks of the technology.

AbstractThis paper argues that a focus on values, trust and context is vital to build a fuller understanding of public perceptions of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). Empirical data from interviews conducted in the UK and Italy as part of the EU FP7-funded ECO2 project is presented to illustrate how publics and stakeholders often evaluate the geological storage of carbon dioxide in terms of its relation to their broader world views, rather than purely in terms of the perceived techno-scientific risks of the technology.

Non-technical summaryWe summarize some of the past year's most important findings within climate change-related research. New research has improved our understanding about the remaining options to achieve the Paris Agreement goals, through overcoming political barriers to carbon pricing, taking into account non-CO2factors, a well-designed implementation of demand-side and nature-based solutions, resilience building of ecosystems and the recognition that climate change mitigation costs can be justified by benefits to the health of humans and nature alone. We consider new insights about what to expect if we fail to include a new dimension of fire extremes and the prospect of cascading climate tipping elements.Technical summaryA synthesis is made of 10 topics within climate research, where there have been significant advances since January 2020. The insights are based on input from an international open call with broad disciplinary scope. Findings include: (1) the options to still keep global warming below 1.5 °C; (2) the impact of non-CO2factors in global warming; (3) a new dimension of fire extremes forced by climate change; (4) the increasing pressure on interconnected climate tipping elements; (5) the dimensions of climate justice; (6) political challenges impeding the effectiveness of carbon pricing; (7) demand-side solutions as vehicles of climate mitigation; (8) the potentials and caveats of nature-based solutions; (9) how building resilience of marine ecosystems is possible; and (10) that the costs of climate change mitigation policies can be more than justified by the benefits to the health of humans and nature.Social media summaryHow do we limit global warming to 1.5 °C and why is it crucial? See highlights of latest climate science.