To the editor: It is very concerning to see the large number of unproven carbon capture schemes emerging in California and the enthusiasm with which our elected officials are embracing these projects.
Food and Water Watch analysis has shown that carbon capture is a prohibitively expensive process that is not a viable climate solution. However, it does serve to prolong the life of the fossil fuel industry.
Additionally, these projects pose real harm to those living near the proposed sites, including the risk of leaks, accidents and explosions, and the release of toxic substances into the surrounding environment.
Governor Gavin Newsom and other elected officials should reject carbon capture and other false climate solutions. The only way to sustainably achieve our ambitious climate goals is to stop drilling and fracking for fossil fuels, which is what is creating the need for these “solutions” in the first place.
Chirag Bhakta, San Francisco
The writer is director of Food and Water Watch in California.
