CCS Art/Sci/Industry Exchange, Sept.4,2024

How can we exchange CCS topics and discuss them in the context of climate mitigation vs. business models? What subjects arise when multidisciplinary scientists, industry representatives, and artists gather to debate trade-offs, risks, ethical concerns, and knowledge gaps?

On September 4, 2024, a first cross-sectoral meeting at IIASA (International Institute for Applied System Analysis) explored the roadmap of CCS in both international and Austrian contexts. The participants included engineers, climate and transdisciplinary scientists, cultural theorists, art educators, business leaders in CCS, and media, textile, and film artists. The meeting showcased a research pitch in the first session, followed by hands-on visualisation methods in the second.

CCS is prohibited in Austria and is only discussed regarding the hard-to-abate industry. The concern over CCS as an inevitable climate mitigation method embraces its perceived dominance and longevity. Topics were also raised about whether an eventual CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) would foster a desired circular economy approach or increase in plastics. Furthermore, discussions were raised on whether and how to compensate communities impacted by CCS and how to establish collaborative knowledge exchanges. The subject’s extensive nature prompted a lengthy and inspiring exchange, and highlighted the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to provide a broader view, awareness and interaction.

Photo Credits: Francesca Aldegani