The UK's carbon capture and storage (CCS) program is a prime example of how government policy can be shaped by powerful interests, in this case, the fossil fuel industry. The program, which has been touted as essential for cutting carbon emissions, is in reality a costly and ineffective solution that will only serve to prolong the life of fossil fuels. The projected cost of the full CCS program between now and 2050 is a staggering £264 billion, with the public sector bearing the brunt of the financial burden. This is a massive waste of public funds that could be better spent on renewable energy and battery storage, which are proven and effective solutions for reducing emissions. The program is also likely to be shaped by lobbying from fossil fuel companies, which have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. The scientific credibility of CCS as a climate solution was shaped by the oil company BP, which financed and helped steer one of the most famous climate papers, the "Wedges" paper, which greatly oversold CCS and presented it as a viable solution for climate stabilization. The program is also likely to result in more gas use and imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which has higher emissions than coal. The UK's CCS program is a prime example of how government policy can be captured by powerful interests, and it is a costly and ineffective solution that will only serve to prolong the life of fossil fuels. The public deserves better, and the government should be held accountable for its decisions and their impact on the environment and the public purse.
