Perceptions of CO2 Report - Global CCS Institute

Executive summaryCarbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) presents one potential technological solution formitigating the atmospheric emission of carbon dioxide sources (GCCSI, 2011; IEA, 2009).However, CCS is a relatively new technology with associated uncertainties and perceived risks.For this reason, a growing body of research now focuses on public perceptions and potential forsocietal acceptance of CCS technology.Almost all explanations of CCS technology make reference to carbon dioxide, with an assumptionthat the general public understands CO 2 . It has become apparent that the general public’sknowledge and understanding of CO 2 ’s properties influences how they engage with CO 2 emittingindustries and CCS technologies (Wallquist, Visschers, & Siegrist, 2009). However, surprisinglylittle research has investigated public perceptions, knowledge, and understanding of CO 2 . Thisinvestigation attempts to fill that gap.This report describes an investigation of how citizens of three countries—Japan, Australia, and theNetherlands—perceive CO 2 . Furthermore, it attempts to relate individual perceptions of CO 2 toperceptions of CCS, and to determine how information provision about the underlying propertiesand characteristics of CO 2 influences individual attitudes towards low carbon energy options,particularly CCS.In brief, the research had four ultimate aims. It aimed to:• Explore the public’s knowledge and understanding 1 of the properties of CO 2 ;• Examine the influence of that knowledge on their perceptions of CO 2 and CCS;• Investigate how information provision about the underlying properties andcharacteristics of CO 2 influences individual attitudes towards CCS; and• Identify if any differences between countries exist in relation to values and beliefs,knowledge of CO 2 ’s properties, and CCS perceptions.The research employed both qualitative and quantitative methods designed to complement eachother. The qualitative component consisted of interviews and focus groups aimed at exploringpublic knowledge of CO 2 across each of the countries. They also provided an opportunity toexplore how participants reacted when provided with information about CO 2 and CCS. Using agrounded theory approach, common themes and attributes identified in the qualitative componentinformed the development of a large scale survey, which was piloted and then rolled out in eachcountry.Results from the interviews and focus groups revealed that respondents had limited knowledge ofCO 2 . Although respondents were aware of the gas, and many understood basic facts about CO 2such as that plants absorb it and burning fossil fuels produces it, the majority found it difficult todescribe the specific characteristics or properties of CO 2 . Respondents from focus groups tendedto perceive CO 2 negatively as toxic and harmful. Common misperceptions shared by surveyrespondents included the belief that CO 2 had qualities similar to air pollution or soot, and that it1 The terms “knowledge” and “understanding” are for the most part used interchangeably throughout this report.vi | Understanding how individuals perceive carbon dioxide