While international climate monitors say carbon sequestration projects could be secondary tools to help contain global warming, they also say the main focus must be on urgent and deep cuts to fossil fuels. Some environmental groups question the benefits of carbon sequestration and are concerned it could delay the transition to clean energy and pose risks to surrounding communities.

Environmental experts say the risks of carbon storage include earthquakes, water table contamination and potentially deadly carbon leaks, and point to several cases where carbon has leaked.

Oil companies are lobbying hard for the projects, [...]

“It’s just the stupidest way to reduce emissions,” said Harvey. Oil companies are lobbying hard for the projects, he said, but he believes CO2 emissions could be best tackled if the money was spent on renewable energy.

“It is loved by the industry because it’s a subsidy for whatever they’re already doing,” he said.