Limiting carbon emissions requires the rapid, widespread adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to augment alternative energy sources such as nuclear, wind and solar, according to the Global CCS Institute's 2016 Status Report. 

"Carbon capture is at a crossroads – it is essential, but not inevitable," said Jeff Erikson, regional GM for the Institute.

The 2016 Status Report will be released at COP22.

According to the International Energy Agency, approximately four billion tonnes per year of CO2 must be captured and stored globally by 2040, up from current annual capacity levels of about 40 million tonnes per year. The 2016 Status Report concludes that while more CCS projects are expected to come online, long-term climate goals are unlikely to be met without policy actions that create a level playing field with other low-carbon technologies.

"While North America leads the world in large-scale CCS projects, stronger commercial, policy and regulatory measures are needed to accelerate global CCS development and meet global climate change goals," said Erikson. "To realize its full potential as both a climate change tool and a job creator, CCS requires greater government support, similar to what renewables have enjoyed over the years."