Cory Channon, International Director of Climate Change Policy Solutions, advocates for CCUS technology during Climate Week in New York. L. to r., Channon, Chair of the United Kingdom’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment Lord Nicholas Stern and “Carbon Wrangler” Dr. Julio Friedmann.
THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD of Boilermakers made its presence—and its stance on carbon capture, use and storage technology—known at two high profile global events this past fall. Cory Channon, Boilermakers’ International Director of Climate Change Policy Solutions, and Cecile Conroy, Director of Government Affairs, advocated for CCUS during the famed New York Climate Week in September, and Assistant International Director of Climate Change Policy Solutions Richard MacIntosh joined with Channon to champion CCUS at the 24th Carbon Dioxide Utilization Summit in Dusseldorf, Germany, in October.
“We know CCUS is the right solution that can and will mitigate climate change and preserve jobs, the economy and social stability. We’re starting to see more people and organizations understanding the importance of CCUS,” said Channon. “But there still isn’t nearly enough attention on CCUS to demand and attain the support and funding needed to bring it to the scale we need—for our jobs and for our planet.
“Boilermakers have been a strong voice for CCUS, and we’re going to continue rallying around CCUS and educating everyone we can.”
Climate Week, which is part of the United Nations’ General Assembly events, is one of the premiere world events bringing together a wide variety of corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, climate experts and leaders from all corners of the world to learn about new research and technology and seek solutions to climate change. The week includes myriad side events covering a variety of topics. Channon and Conroy represented the Boilermakers’ position on CCUS at different venues throughout the week, made new connections between the Boilermakers and other supporters and introduced CCUS to new audiences.
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers partnered with the International CCS Knowledge Centre and ClearPath to host a side event where attendees were invited to watch the Boilermakers’ commissioned film “CCS: Bridge to a Cleaner Energy Future,” and participate in a discussion. The screening drew a diverse audience from the energy industry, climate advocates and the general public.
“The discussions after the film were substantive, and it was heartening to have teachers and even a few university students, along with energy-industry leaders participating in a meaningful dialog about carbon capture and its important role in climate-change mitigation,” said Beth Hardy, vice president of strategy and stakeholder relations for the International CCS Knowledge Centre. “We need more of the general public to understand and advocate with us.”
At the summit in Dusseldorf, Germany, the focus was on carbon use. Sessions incorporated speakers, such as chemists, other scientists and leaders from companies and industries that now use—or have the potential to use—carbon, including the airline fuel industry. Air travel is currently a major contributor of CO2 emissions.
Key topics included the status of the CO2 utilization market, updates on policy and regulation, CO2 mineralization, hydrogen’s role in CO2 conversion, advances in CO2 chemicals, and bio-conversion of CO2.
During a plenary session, Channon introduced participants to the Boilermakers and reminded everyone that before carbon can be utilized, it must be captured.
“The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is committed to raising awareness for carbon capture, use and storage,” he told the plenary audience. “Carbon can’t be used if it’s not captured, and we urge everyone to join us in advocating for appropriate funding and awareness to fully scale CCUS. The Boilermakers stand ready to build and retrofit CCUS in the energy sectors and manufacturing.”
