The accelerating climate crisis demands urgent action to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels. While existing strategies like reforestation and renewable energy adoption help, they fall short of meeting IPCC targets. One way to address this gap is through Direct Air Capture (DAC), a technology that actively removes CO₂ from the air. The challenge lies in making DAC scalable, energy-efficient, and economically viable.

How the Idea Works

The proposed system combines three key components:

• Capture: Modular units use advanced adsorbent materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, to filter CO₂ from ambient air while minimizing energy use.
• Storage: Captured CO₂ is dissolved in water and injected into basaltic rock formations, where it mineralizes into stable carbonates within years—a method validated by projects like Carbfix in Iceland.
• Energy Integration: Plants could be co-located with renewable energy sources (e.g., geothermal or solar) to reduce operational emissions.

This approach differs from existing DAC projects by emphasizing modularity, which allows for faster deployment and lower upfront costs compared to large-scale facilities.

Stakeholders and Incentives

Several groups stand to benefit:

• Governments could meet climate targets and leverage tax incentives for carbon removal.
• Corporations (e.g., tech firms, airlines) could use verified carbon offsets to achieve net-zero commitments.
• Local communities might see job creation in plant operations and infrastructure development.

Revenue could come from selling carbon removal credits, licensing the technology, or offering "capture-as-a-service" to high-emission industries like cement production.

Execution and Future Potential

A pilot phase in a location like Iceland—where geothermal energy is abundant—could validate the technology. From there, standardized, containerized units could enable rapid scaling near industrial sites. Over time, the system could integrate with hydrogen production or use AI to optimize plant locations based on real-time atmospheric and energy data.

While challenges like public skepticism about underground storage exist, transparency through real-time monitoring and third-party audits could help build trust. The modular design and focus on permanent storage may give this approach an edge over competitors tied to fossil fuel partnerships or less precise nature-based solutions.