Effective Use of Natural CO2-RICH Systems for Stakeholder Communication: CO2FACTS.ORG

The impact of using natural analogues as an avenue for communicating about CO2 injection and storage technology with stakeholders has been addressed by previous researchers, e.g., Romanak et al (2011), Dixon et al (2011). Analogies between natural CO2-rich systems and engineered CO2 storage are not necessarily straightforward, and stakeholder opinion is often based on factors other than technical accuracy of information (e.g., lack of trust, confidence, and fear). In order to enhance this communication pathway, STORE (Sequestration Training, Outreach, Research and Education), the outreach arm of the Gulf Coast Carbon Center at The University of Texas at Austin, has created an online resource (www.co2facts.org) to help stakeholders better understand the injection and storage of CO2 underground. The online resource includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) for a variety of CO2-storage-related issues, including those related to natural analogues, and uses examples of natural systems of CO2 release for communication. The content targets various levels of technical education and understanding. A unique feature of the online resource is its approach to verification of information. Each FAQ and example is "fact-checked" by an actual expert in the field. Part of this verification process is to provide an online link to background, credentials, scientific research and images of actual experts in the field at natural release sites. This approach helps put a face to, and potentially builds a relationship of trust with, the scientist behind the technical information. Videos of experts discussing natural systems and their similarities and differences with CO2 injection and storage sites are also part of the resource. Stakeholders commonly draw incorrect parallels between natural disasters that gain attention in the media (e.g., Lake Nyos) and CO2 injection and storage technology. The video images available at www.co2facts.org are a useful tool for assuaging environmental fears by showing examples with the correct parallels, ranging from scientists working in areas of natural CO2 systems, to experts conducting scientific investigations of CO2 injection and storage sites (e.g., Kerr Site Investigation, Saskatchewan, Canada). Our goal is to enhance and enlarge the website, and thereby the stakeholder conversation, to include examples of scientists conducting research on a variety of natural systems from around the world, as well as those leading scientific projects related to CO2 injection and storage sites. By reducing environmental fear, drawing proper parallels between natural systems and CO2 storage, creating relationships with scientific experts and promoting trust in the scientific research and investigation process, we are working to help stakeholders have a better understanding of the challenges and solutions that are part of CO2 injection and storage technology.