Sustainable Development Goals and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Introduction
Carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon emissions and stores them underground to mitigate climate change. However, CCS can have negative environmental effects, as assessed by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in a 2018 report.
Environmental Risks
The UBA highlights several risks associated with CCS. There is a potential for carbon leaks from storage or transport pipelines, as well as the possibility of saline water being pushed towards groundwater levels due to high underground pressure.
Regulation and Accidents
During regular operation, most potential effects of CCS can be regulated through approval proceedings. However, accidents could lead to large amounts of CO₂ being emitted into the surrounding area in a short time.
Health and Environmental Impacts
CO₂ is a colorless and odorless gas that can accumulate near the ground, posing harm to humans and animals at high concentrations. It can also lower the pH-value in groundwater and soil. Additionally, injecting carbon into the ground can induce seismic activity, potentially causing earthquakes that damage buildings or harm people.
Marine Life and Chemicals
In the case of a leak under the sea, carbon is largely diluted. However, a strong increase in CO₂ concentration and acidification effects could harm marine life on a local scale. Furthermore, chemicals used in the CCS process can have negative impacts on health and the environment.
Energy System Changes
Implementing CCS on a large scale could involve fundamental changes in the energy system, such as shifting from coal to gas. While coal emits more CO₂ than gas when burned, methane leakage along the value chain could have similar climate effects due to methane’s potency as a greenhouse gas.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Relevant to the Issues Discussed in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets could include:
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of national policies, strategies, and planning documents that integrate climate change measures.
- Indicator for SDG 14.1: Concentration levels of CO₂ and other pollutants in marine environments.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Percentage of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems under conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator: Number of national policies, strategies, and planning documents that integrate climate change measures. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds. | Indicator: Concentration levels of CO₂ and other pollutants in marine environments. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Indicator: Percentage of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems under conservation, restoration, and sustainable use. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cleanenergywire.org
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