Geological carbon storage is not unlimited and would be depleted by 2200

The maximum potential of this technology would only mitigate a fraction of future warming.

The planet could only safely store 1,460 gigatons of CO₂ in rock formations, according to a new scientific study.

This finding questions the feasibility of relying on geological carbon storage as a central solution to climate change.

Carbon storage has been presented for years as a technology with almost unlimited potential.

However, this study sets a much smaller planetary limit than estimated, which forces us to rethink global climate strategies and focus on more sustainable natural and renewable solutions.

A defined ceiling on underground storage

The research puts the practical carbon dioxide storage capacity at 1,460 gigatons, an amount that would be exhausted by 2200 if current trends continue.

This limit has been established after assessing risks such as leaks, geological instability, social conflicts and lack of institutional support.

The work stresses that geological storage could reduce global warming by at most 0.7 °C, well below what is needed to meet international targets.

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