Carbon Sequestration: an Answer to the World’s Carbon Dioxide Emission Problem
As of November 2007, 174 parties had ratified the Kyoto protocol signifying a large part of the solution to one of the worlds primary environmental problems; carbon dioxide emissions. Although the United States refused to sign the protocol, their neighbours in Canada were eager to address the issue and sign. However with oil being a major Canadian export, carbon dioxide emission reduction was arguably improbable and unprofitable. With the pressure of reducing carbon dioxide emissions an imminent, carbon sequestration may be the symbiotic solution in satisfying Kyoto, saving the environment and even increasing profitability. Carbon sequestration is the process where carbon dioxide is injected into an oil well in order to increase recovery. With tertiary oil recoveries driving much of the oil business, cheap and efficient recovery methods are invaluable. Presently there is a Canadian operation in Wayburn, Saskatchewan which employs the technique. In addition, Texas and Scandinavian oil companies are using Carbon dioxide injection. If carbon sequestration increases oil recovery it has to be the preferred method. By purchasing carbon dioxide from external sources and recycling their own, companies can reduce emissions while increasing profits. Finally it may be profitable to save the environment.