Public perceptions of oceanic and geological CO2 disposal

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a two-part study exploring the public perceptions of oceanic and geological CO2 disposal. Both the phases of the study used a modified version of the mental model method for risk perception and communication. The participants of the study were recruited from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The initial study consisted of semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions on people's beliefs about carbon capture and disposal. The second study was a closed-ended survey, aimed at measuring the prevalence of the beliefs identified in the first study. In the first study, interviews with the respondents yielded a slightly positive overall reaction to CO2 disposal; they also identified concerns, especially about ocean-based disposal. The second study was built upon the results of the first study, using a non-interactive paper survey administered to 126 individuals. Acceptance of CO2 disposal methodologies was measured separately for oceanic and geological disposal. Respondents rated their level of approval for several types of disposal, and ranked the disposal options along with several other options to reduce CO2 emissions from electricity use. Results showed a small preference for geological over oceanic disposal. The provision of information about CO2 disposal technologies had only modest effects, showing decreased ratings for geological and oceanic disposal, with a stronger decrease for the latter.