Public perceptions of carbon capture and storage in Canada: Results of a national survey

Abstract Carbon dioxide capture and geological storage (CCS) is one strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that has attracted interest from government and industry in Canada. A key factor that will determine if organizations implement CCS is whether the public support the development of the technology. Public views and understandings of key issues surrounding CCS were assessed via Internet and phone on a representative sample of 1479 Canadians. We examined descriptive statistics to understand public perceptions of CCS and applied regression models to assess how risk perceptions, perspectives of climate change and trust in government relate to the support for or opposition to CCS development and funding for the technology. Results indicate there is low support for CCS in Canada; however, findings varied when taking into account participants’ proximity to projects. Furthermore, the publics’ perceptions of the risk and benefits of CCS influenced support for or opposition to the technology. We discuss implications of public perceptions on the development and deployment of CCS and provide recommendations for communication strategies about the technology.