ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carbon capture and storage (timeline)

Carbon capture and storage, also known as CCS, is a way to catch the carbon dioxide (CO2) that is released when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

In order to understand how it works, first let's talk about why we need it. When we burn fossil fuels, we release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. CCS is a way to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the air.

Here's a timeline of how CCS works:

1. Capture: The first step is to capture the carbon dioxide. This can be done by using special technologies that capture the CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere. There are different types of capture technologies, but they all work by trapping the CO2 in a container of some sort.

2. Transportation: Once the CO2 is captured, it needs to be transported to where it will be stored. This can be done by pipelines, ships, or trucks. The CO2 is transported to a storage site that has been specially designed to hold it.

3. Storage: The final step is to store the CO2. There are different methods for this, but the most common is to inject the CO2 deep underground. This is called geologic storage. The CO2 is injected into rock formations that have the ability to hold it for millions of years.

Overall, CCS is a way to capture the carbon dioxide that is released when we burn fossil fuels and store it safely underground. This helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change.