Put it Back

What is carbon capture and sequestration? How can this process help reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel energy production? What does this process have in common with mayonnaise sandwiches and Rice Krispies? Hosts Robert Mace and Carrie Thompson speak with Senior Research Scientist Dr. Sue Hovorka from the University of Texas at Austin and learn about her work answering these questions and their application in Texas.

In this episode, our hosts cover several topics:

• Robert shares a new word he learned from a meme! [1:15]
• China's climate policies track record in meeting climate goals [2:39]
• Facing the reality of how most of the world's cumulative greenhouse gas emissions have occurred in just the last ten years [6:22]
• The positive effect teleworking and traveling less had on Europe's emissions in 2020 [7:45]
• How Texas cattle ranchers can improve carbon sequestration and water quality [11:46]
• Study shows climate change has made Texas allergies worse faster than anywhere else in U.S. [15:12]
• San Antonio's new pilot project to reduce the urban heat island effect [17:50]
• The potential of adding a new label on foods signifying items with lower carbon footprints and a climatarian diet [22:10]

An Interview with Dr. Sue Hovorka:

• Her transition into working on climate change mitigation [27:06]
• Defining carbon capture and storage and what CO2 sequestration is [30:06]
• The process of capturing “stack gas” to prevent it going into the atmosphere [31:12]
• More detail about the transportation and injection of carbon into sedimentary rock layers [35:53]
• How captured carbon will be stored for 1,000s of years to help the climate re-stabilize [39:52]
• Clearing up misconceptions about how carbon capture and sequestration is different from fracking [42:20]
• Texas is one of the world’s biggest fossil fuel producers but also has the perfect geology for carbon capture [48:24]
• How capillary forces trap carbon in microscopic pores within subsurface layers [57:05]
• Call your energy companies and ask them if they are decarbonizing [1:00:00]

Along with some feel-good stories to leave you inspired, like:

• While we will likely fail to meet the 1.5 °C target, we are currently on track to staying below 2.5 °C [1:03:18]
• Perfect gifts to give that also fight climate change this holiday season [1:08:33]

Articles Mentioned:

• China is doing more than you think for climate change – still not enough -The Conversation
• 15% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions occurred in the past decade -Washington Post
• UN generated 25% fewer greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 -UN News
• How cattle ranchers can combat climate change -Express News
• Climate change making Texas allergies worse -KXAN
• Cooler pavement coming to San Antonio streets -Fox 29
• Holiday Gifts To Fight Climate Change -Time