Professor Sonia Seneviratne:

The main concern that is raised is the question of moral hazard, that is, if carbon capture is considered as a solution, it might lead to less investment in mitigation. As Deputy Eamon Ryan suggested, the 80% goal for 2050 is already challenging. Most of the 1,000 scientists who reviewed the 1.5°C report, although not all of them, include carbon capture and storage because it is so challenging. Without it, it might in some cases be a matter of reaching 1.5° or 2°C. It is not, therefore, one or the other. One cannot gamble on it or guarantee that it will work. It is a question of research and development, and we cannot be sure it will work. It is worth making the effort to try to see if a solution can be found.