Carbon Capture Isn’t a Free Pass: Why Cutting Emissions Still Matters

A 4-panel infographic titled 'How Carbon Dioxide Mixes Underground Over Time' showing the stages of CO₂ injection and mixing in a saline aquifer: initial diffusion, formation of fingers, active mixing with plumes, and eventual saturation. Includes a color legend for caprock, injected CO₂, and brine.

How CO₂ Mixes Underground Over Time — This visual shows the four main stages of carbon dioxide mixing after underground injection: from initial diffusion to active mixing and eventual stabilization. While carbon capture helps, the slow pace of mixing shows why cutting emissions remains essential.


We’re capturing carbon to fight climate change—but does that mean we can keep burning fossil fuels? A new study says: not so fast.

We all want to believe in solutions. With headlines about new technologies to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) and store it deep underground, it’s easy to feel hopeful. And we should—these tools are an important part of the climate puzzle.

But a recent scientific study reminds us of something important: carbon capture is not a substitute for cutting emissions. It can help, but it can’t do the job alone.

Here’s what the study found—and why it matters for anyone concerned about climate change.

The Bottom Line

Scientists recently ran some of the most advanced computer simulations to better understand what happens after CO₂ is stored underground. What they found is simple, but powerful:

  • CO₂ mixes underground more slowly than we thought.

  • Even when conditions are ideal, it can take decades to fully trap the carbon.

  • Thankfully, the study offers a new model to help us predict and manage the process more accurately.

What does this mean in plain terms?

Carbon capture can help us buy time—but we still need to slash emissions at the source.

How CO₂ Storage Works (Simple Explainer)

Let’s break it down.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a method of taking CO₂—usually from power plants or factories—and injecting it deep underground, into rock layers filled with salty water (called brine). Once underground, the CO₂ begins to mix with the brine. Over time, it becomes trapped and less likely to escape back into the air.

But here’s the key: this process doesn’t happen instantly.

  • At first, the CO₂ just sits there.

  • Then, it starts to mix with the brine slowly.

  • Eventually, if enough time passes, it becomes safely diluted and stored.

This is why we can’t rely on carbon capture alone. If we keep emitting at today’s pace, storage can’t keep up.

What the Study Found (Key Takeaways)

A team of international scientists ran 3D simulations to understand how CO₂ moves and mixes underground. Their findings give us a more realistic picture than older studies.

CO₂ Storage Happens in 3 Stages

  1. Diffusion Phase: The CO₂ sits near the top, barely moving, and starts to slowly dissolve.

  2. Mixing Phase: Fingers or “plumes” of CO₂-rich water begin to form and sink, helping the mixing process.

  3. Shutdown Phase: As the space fills up, mixing slows, and it becomes harder for new CO₂ to enter the system.

The 13.5% Surprise

Older research assumed that CO₂ mixes 25% better in 3D (real-world) environments than in simpler 2D models. But this new study found the actual difference is only 13.5%. This matters because it corrects an overestimate in how fast and how much carbon we can safely store.

A Better Model

The study also introduced a simple, accurate formula to predict how CO₂ behaves underground over time. This helps engineers and policymakers design storage projects that are safer and more reliable.

In short: better science means better planning—and fewer excuses to delay real climate action.

Why It Matters for the Real World

We need trust in climate solutions. That means knowing how long it takes for stored CO₂ to become safe and stable underground.

Let’s take a real example: the Sleipner site in the North Sea, one of the world’s longest-running carbon storage projects.

  • After 20 years, only about 50% of the injected CO₂ has fully mixed.

  • To reach 90%, it could take more than 100 years.

That’s valuable progress—but it’s slow. We can’t lean on carbon capture alone, especially if emissions continue at today’s rates.

What This Means for Climate Activists

For climate activists, concerned citizens, and policymakers, this study offers a powerful reminder: Carbon capture is not a free pass to keep polluting.

Instead, it should be used alongside deep emissions cuts to help us reach climate goals faster and safer. Use this research to ask more questions:

  • How long will it take for the CO₂ to safely mix underground?

  • What’s being done to monitor leakage risk over time?

  • Are we also cutting emissions at the source—or just relying on storage?

The answers to these questions matter—because our planet’s future depends on both honest science and decisive action.

The Big Picture

Climate change is a big problem—and we need many tools to solve it. Carbon capture is one of those tools. But we shouldn’t treat it like a silver bullet.

“Carbon capture isn’t a free pass—it buys us time, but only if we use that time to slash emissions.”

This study helps us see that clearly. It’s not about losing hope—it’s about staying realistic, smart, and focused on solutions that truly work.

Final Thought

If we’re serious about protecting our planet, we must keep reducing the amount of CO₂ we put into the air—even as we work to store what’s already there. Science, like this study, helps point us in the right direction. It’s up to all of us—activists, voters, leaders, and everyday people—to act on that knowledge.


Source: De Paoli, M., Zonta, F., Enzenberger, L., Coliban, E., & Pirozzoli, S. (2025). Simulation and modeling of convective mixing of carbon dioxide in geological formations. Geophysical Research Letters, 52, e2025GL114804. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL114804

The Legal Liability Japanese Companies Face: Why Climate Change Risks Are a Growing Concern

Cover page of the report titled

The cover page of the “Directors’ Duties Regarding Climate Change in Japan: 2025” report by Dr. Yoshihiro Yamada, Dr. Janis Sarra, and Dr. Masafumi Nakahigashi, published by the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative (CCLI). The image of Mount Fuji symbolizes Japan’s resilience amidst the challenges of climate change.


Why Climate Change Matters

Climate change is a global challenge that’s affecting every corner of the world. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and unpredictable climate patterns are causing disruption, and no country is immune from its effects. Japan, an island nation, is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its geographical location and dense population. Companies in Japan are now facing significant risks, not only from the physical impacts of climate change but also from the legal and financial responsibilities that come with it.

As climate change accelerates, the risks to businesses are no longer something that can be ignored or delayed. Corporate leaders in Japan are beginning to understand that failing to take action on climate-related risks could lead to severe consequences.

What Are the Risks of Climate Change?

Climate change poses two major types of risks to businesses: physical and transition risks.

Physical Risks are those that arise from the direct impact of climate change. These risks are divided into two categories:

  • Acute (immediate) risks: These are extreme events such as typhoons, floods, and heatwaves. For example, in recent years, Japan has experienced severe typhoons and record-breaking heatwaves, causing massive destruction.

  • Chronic (long-term) risks: These refer to gradual changes such as rising sea levels and ongoing temperature increases. Both of which can have a slower but equally harmful impact on businesses, especially those relying on natural resources.

Transition Risks are related to the global shift toward a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. As governments, investors, and consumers push for greener practices, businesses face new challenges:

  • Regulatory risks: New laws and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions could impact how companies operate.

  • Market risks: As consumers demand greener products, companies that do not adapt may lose market share.

  • Technological risks: Companies that fail to innovate and adopt clean technologies might fall behind their competitors.

Why Japanese Companies Are Concerned About Climate Change

Japan faces multiple concerns when it comes to climate change. These concerns are not just about the physical damage caused by storms and rising seas—they also include financial and legal risks that could severely affect businesses.

Physical Risks: Japan is especially vulnerable to climate events like typhoons, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. For example, over the past decade, Japan has faced over JPY 13.7 trillion (USD $90.8 billion) in climate-related damages. Coastal cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya are at high risk of flooding. The country’s agricultural sector is struggling with changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.

Transition Risks: The global shift towards sustainability presents challenges for Japanese businesses. Companies that fail to reduce their carbon footprint or invest in cleaner technologies may lose out to more forward-thinking competitors. Additionally, businesses face the risk of stranded assets—where investments in fossil fuel infrastructure become worthless as the world moves toward renewable energy.

Legal and Financial Liability: Directors of Japanese companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that climate risks are managed properly. If they fail to take action, they could be held personally liable. Japanese laws now require businesses to disclose material climate risks, and failure to do so could lead to lawsuits for breach of fiduciary duty. The pressure is mounting for directors to act, as investors and regulators increasingly demand transparency on climate-related risks.

Investor Pressure: Institutional investors are increasingly focused on sustainability. In Japan, investors representing trillions of dollars are demanding that companies disclose their climate-related risks and take meaningful action. If a company fails to do so, it risks losing investor confidence, which could lead to higher costs of capital and reduced access to funding.

Systemic Risk to the Economy: The Bank of Japan has warned that failing to address climate risks could destabilize the financial system. Mismanagement of these risks could lead to falling asset prices, loss of economic stability, and even disruptions in Japan’s banking system.

How Climate Change Affects Japanese Companies

The effects of climate change are already being felt across many industries in Japan. For instance, the manufacturing sector is vulnerable to extreme weather events that damage facilities and disrupt supply chains. Similarly, Japan’s agricultural sector faces challenges like reduced rice yields due to rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

The economic costs of not addressing these risks are significant. Companies that fail to prepare for climate change may suffer from damaged infrastructure, lost productivity, and increased operational costs. In some cases, the financial impact can be devastating, leading to significant losses in revenue and long-term damage to a company’s bottom line.

Legal Responsibilities for Directors in Japan

Corporate directors in Japan have a legal duty to manage the risks their companies face, including climate-related risks. According to Japanese corporate law, directors must act in the best interests of the company and ensure the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes climate-related risks.

Under Japan’s Corporate Governance Code, directors are required to oversee the company’s efforts to identify, assess, and manage climate risks. Failure to do so could result in personal liability. In particular, if a director neglects to integrate climate change into their governance strategy, they could face lawsuits from shareholders or be found in breach of their fiduciary duties.

The Role of Climate Governance in Business Success

Proper climate governance is crucial for businesses to remain competitive in a world that is increasingly focused on sustainability. Companies that integrate climate risks into their strategy are better positioned to succeed in the long term. Effective climate governance allows businesses to anticipate regulatory changes, innovate with cleaner technologies, and align with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.

In the long run, companies that take climate action seriously can build resilience, improve their reputation, and reduce risks associated with physical and transition challenges. On the other hand, companies that ignore climate risks may find themselves falling behind their competitors or even facing financial ruin.

The Growing Importance of Sustainability

As global investors push for more sustainable business practices, companies that fail to disclose their climate risks or take action to address them are likely to see a loss of investor confidence. Investors are increasingly looking for companies that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and addressing climate-related risks in their business strategies.

Failure to meet these expectations could not only damage a company’s reputation but also increase the cost of capital and make it more difficult to attract investment in the future. Companies that adopt sustainability practices now will likely enjoy a competitive advantage in attracting responsible investors and staying ahead of regulatory trends.

What Should Directors Do?

Directors of Japanese companies must act now to integrate climate risk management into their governance structures. They should:

  • Assess and disclose climate risks transparently.

  • Seek expert advice to ensure they are making informed decisions about climate change.

  • Ensure that the company’s strategy includes clear goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

By taking these steps, directors can help safeguard their companies from the financial and legal risks associated with climate change and position them for long-term success in a decarbonized economy.

Call to Action

Japan is taking significant steps to address climate change, with its corporate sector increasingly aware of the legal and financial risks posed by climate impacts. As one of the countries leading the way in climate governance, Japan is setting a strong example for others to follow. However, the fight against climate change requires a global effort. The United States and other countries must step up their efforts to integrate climate risk into corporate governance, adopt stricter environmental regulations, and encourage businesses to embrace sustainability.

As individuals, we can support companies and governments that are prioritizing climate action. We can demand greater transparency and accountability from businesses on their climate-related actions and encourage them to follow Japan’s lead in addressing climate risks head-on. We need to act now—climate change is a challenge that requires bold leadership across the globe. Let’s work together to make sure that countries, especially those with significant global influence, do not fall behind in this critical fight for our planet’s future.


Yamada, Y., Sarra, J., & Nakahigashi, M. (2025). Directors’ Duties Regarding Climate Change in Japan: 2025. Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative.

Planetary Solvency: Why Our Future Depends on Protecting Nature

Cover of 'Planetary solvency – finding our balance with nature: Global risk management for human prosperity' study.
Cover of “Planetary solvency – finding our balance with nature: Global risk management for human prosperity” study.

The Big Picture

Imagine waking up to find grocery store shelves half-empty, the price of fresh produce soaring, and unpredictable storms disrupting everyday life. This isn’t science fiction—it’s a growing reality as our planet’s climate shifts in dangerous ways.

Scientists warn that unless we change course, we risk reaching Planetary Insolvency—a state where nature can no longer support human needs. But here’s the good news: we still have time to act. Understanding the risks and making smarter choices today can help us create a future where people and nature thrive together.

What Is Planetary Solvency?

Think about a business. If it spends more money than it earns, it eventually goes bankrupt. Our planet works in a similar way—if we take more from nature than it can regenerate, we risk collapsing the very systems that support life.

Planetary Solvency is the idea that we must manage Earth’s resources wisely to keep society stable. This means keeping our air and water clean, protecting forests and oceans, and ensuring that nature continues to provide the essentials we rely on—like food, water, and a livable climate.

For decades, economies have focused on short-term profit without considering the environmental “debt” we’re racking up. Now, we’re starting to see the consequences—but it’s not too late to course-correct.

The Warning Signs: Key Statistics You Need to Know

Climate scientists and risk analysts have uncovered troubling trends that show just how urgent this issue is:

  • The past 12 months were the hottest on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (Trust et al., 2025).

  • A key ocean current system (AMOC) has a 45% chance of collapsing by 2040. This would cause extreme weather shifts, including stronger hurricanes, longer droughts, and disrupted food production.

  • If global warming reaches 2.5°C, over 50% of land suitable for growing wheat and maize could be lost, making food shortages more common.

  • Economic risk models ignore 87% of industries, assuming they won’t be affected by climate change. This is a dangerous miscalculation—nearly all businesses depend on stable natural systems.

  • Some projections estimate that climate-driven disasters could reduce global GDP by up to 63% by 2100, leading to widespread economic instability.

The takeaway? Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures—it affects food security, jobs, public health, and global stability.

Why Current Climate Plans Are Not Enough

Many governments have pledged to cut carbon emissions and protect ecosystems, but current efforts fall short. Here’s why:

  • The Paris Agreement didn’t account for tipping points: Climate disasters don’t happen in isolation. When one event (like Arctic ice melting) triggers another (such as changing ocean currents), the effects spiral out of control. Many climate policies fail to consider this domino effect.

  • Short-term economic focus: Many governments prioritize economic growth over environmental stability, even though our economy depends on nature—from agriculture to clean water to disaster resilience.

  • Underestimated risks: Climate models often leave out the worst-case scenarios because they are hard to predict. However, ignoring unlikely but catastrophic events is a major risk management failure.

In short, we need stronger and more realistic climate policies that recognize the full scale of the threat.

What Needs to Change: The RESILIENCE Plan

To prevent Planetary Insolvency, experts recommend a RESILIENCE-based approach, which includes:

  • Better Risk Assessments: Governments and businesses need realistic climate risk models—like financial audits, but for Earth’s health.

  • Stronger Policies: Enforceable limits on pollution, deforestation, and overfishing.

  • Faster Emissions Reductions: The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to prevent extreme warming.

  • Restoring Nature: Protecting and rebuilding ecosystems like forests and wetlands, which absorb carbon and prevent natural disasters.

  • Educating Leaders: Many policymakers lack a deep understanding of climate risk. We need climate-literate decision-makers who can balance economic growth with sustainability.

The path forward isn’t just about stopping damage—it’s about creating a world where nature and people thrive together.

What Can YOU Do?

While governments and businesses play a major role, individuals can make a difference too. Here are some ways to take action:

  • Stay Informed: Read about climate solutions, not just problems. Understanding what works can help shape smarter decisions.

  • Push for Policy Change: Vote for leaders and support policies that prioritize sustainability. Your voice matters.

  • Make Smarter Choices: Support businesses committed to sustainable practices. Reduce waste and be mindful of energy consumption.

  • Spread Awareness: Talk about these issues with friends and family. Many people want to help but don’t know where to start.

These small steps, when multiplied across millions of people, can drive real change.

Summing Up

The future isn’t set in stone. What we do today will determine whether our planet remains livable or spirals into crisis. By managing Earth’s resources as carefully as we manage money, we can protect future generations and ensure a stable, thriving world.The good news? We still have time to act—but the clock is ticking. Will we make the right choice?


Source: Trust, S., Saye, L., Bettis, O., Bedenham, G., Hampshire, O., Lenton, T. M., & Abrams, J. (2025, January). Planetary solvency – finding our balance with nature: Global risk management for human prosperity. Institute and Faculty of Actuaries & Exeter University.