How Media Framing Shapes Public Understanding of Carbon Capture
摘要
This chapter provides a comprehensive review of scholarly literature about how media framing shapes public understanding and acceptance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. CCUS technologies capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes or the atmosphere and then use the CO2 or store it permanently underground. Meaningful stories and narratives about CCUS policies and technologies can engage diverse stakeholders and build trust. The findings reveal a shift from technical framing to more holistic narratives that consider social, ethical, and political dimensions. Media coverage often reflects tensions between framing CCUS as a critical climate solution vs. a risky, unproven technology. Dominant media frames include economic development, energy security, and environmental benefits, although framing varies across national contexts. Recent scholarship emphasizes the need for context-sensitive, adaptive framing that addresses both cognitive and affective factors influencing public perceptions. CCUS debates reflect the complex interplay between expert discourse, media representation, and public opinion. This review highlights a need for more interdisciplinary research and transdisciplinary discourse in developing effective communication strategies. As CCUS technologies advance, this synthesis provides valuable insights for policymakers, project developers, and communicators for engaging diverse stakeholders and building public support for CCUS as part of broader climate mitigation efforts.