First free online course on carbon capture technology

Edinburgh University has launched a free open course explaining CCS technology in the context of climate change, global energy and economics, use of fossil fuels and global climate policy.

The course from the University of Edinburgh, which begins on 15 March, is suitable for anyone with a keen interest in learning how technology can help rein in the worst impacts of climate change as the world’s population and energy needs rise.Participants should gain a better understanding of climate change mitigation options.

The course seeks to encourage further study, such as in the University’s pioneering Masters programme on carbon capture and storage.

The MOOC (massive open online course) will be taught by leading academics at the University, with the option of a verified certificate on completion.

Participants will learn CCS technology can protect the atmosphere from an excess of CO2 and the potential to make fossil fuels relatively safe to use in the context of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

The programme will also cover key sectors of the global economy, where CCS can contribute to significant reductions in emissions.

It will also examine how CCS can enable carbon negative approaches to mitigating climate change.

Students will learn how CCS can complement other low-carbon technologies, and the scientific principles of climate mitigation technologies.

The key elements of geology for permanent and safe disposal of CO2 underground, and the international state and scale of the industry in the 21st century, will also be covered in the online course.