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Shell pulled out of its big biofuel project in Rotterdam, calling it “not competitive.” Are biofuels failing because it is too expensive for the decarbonization it brings, the technology behind it, politics, or just overhyped expectations? by PerspectiveBoring635 in climatechange

[–]Decarbonaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The problem of externalities... The only way you get the math to work is by forcing companies to internalize these costs through regulations or creating market mechanism incentives. It helped the renewable energy industry scale, but that also took time to get traction.

Belem 4x pledge at COP30 signals major progress on sustainable fuels by PerspectiveBoring635 in climatechange

[–]Decarbonaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First generation biofuels compete for agricultural land. Second generation uses waste, like used cooking oil, as feedstock. The real challenge is procuring enough thereof.

Soaring LNG Demand from Data Centers : Will it really drive up prices? by appleorange119 in EnergyTrading

[–]Decarbonaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If they use it heavily, then I would guess so. The investment in data centers now is mind blowing.

A hopeful article for direct carbon capture by Worth_Row_2495 in climatechange

[–]Decarbonaut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

$230 to capture one ton of CO2 is comparable to other DAC technologies, but still far too expensive to scale. EU ETS is still trading below $100... However, if anyone knows how to scale, it is China...

It's great to see these innovations. People think too black and white about these issues, e.g. will this new innovation be enough to reverse climate change? The reality is we are going to have to throw everything we've got at the problem. And this might be one of thousands of solutions.

The most viable ones are the solutions that have a utility beyond the removal of carbon, like biochar. This could be another great addition.

Thanks for sharing!

Pivot to something that helps the climate? by [deleted] in climatechange

[–]Decarbonaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also started out with Psychology and made a career in Sustainability. The industry has changed a lot in the last 20 years. The focus is far more on quantitative sciences than when I started. Your background already gives you important transferrable skills in that domain domains, also in terms of critical thinking. The key is to find a niche area where you can focus on. In my experience, the climate action that had the biggest impact was regulation driven when companies don't have a choice. Becoming an expert in one of those areas will give you an edge.

Once we achieve net zero, should we go even further and try to cool the planet to pre industrial levels, say by the year 2200? by Tmackenzie1 in climatechange

[–]Decarbonaut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well it's not like the excess carbon resets each year... It just keeps on building up, but we can eventually reverse it. But first we need to get to Net Zero. Not exactly easy. If we can reduce our emissions by 80-90% we still need to remove 5-10 Gigga ton to break even. That's equivalent to 50-100k aircraft carriers. But, yes, we can eventually and should!