The idea of Direct Air Capture (DAC) of the greenhouse gas Carbon Dioxide (carbon dioxide) has been a concept that has existed for many decades. When originally introduced, the cost of capturing a ton of carbon dioxide, cost around $600 USD.

 Researchers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada were able to reduce the cost to below $100 USD per ton. They implore the public to not think of DAC as a silver bullet and instead as another tool in the arsenal of combating the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The first option to combat the emissions is to simply just not emit the gases themselves, but DAC acts as a sensible second option in areas where other renewable energy sources cannot flourish. 

 There are specifically two methodologies that are viable, the first being Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Sequestration (BECCS). To simplify the explanation for these systems, the carbon dioxide is captured and converted into other substances before it has a chance to be emitted into the atmosphere. These processes can be so effective that they can become carbon-negative. In other words, these systems can actually reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

The economic incentives for “burying carbon” are not there at this time. The carbon dioxide that results from energy production can be captured and sold in formats that have economic value to the producer. While these systems prevent the producers from becoming wholly carbon-negative, there is government incentives in some nations and jurisdictions that have been able to move the process of carbon sequestration to a point of economic viability. The second option of carbon capture is to allow for the production of these low-carbon fuels that can be implemented in lieu of traditional fossil fuel systems. However, it is important to note that these systems are still emitting carbon, but just at a drastically lower rate than current production in some areas. DAC, in whatever format it takes, and whether it is low-carbon or carbon-negative is a tool that should be introduced into many renewable portfolios. 

By 2050 it is estimated that DAC systems can be well below the $100 USD per-ton-level that we are currently at. Then, it may be economically viable to bury carbon at a rate that will aid in meeting the global temperature goals to aid in combating climate change.