The unregulated carbon dioxide removal industry urges the U.S. Government to establish regulations for transparency and confidence, as the sector has received substantial funding. Katharine Hayhoe states that standards for the direct carbon capture industry are urgently needed due to significant government subsidies and investments.

Some climate scientists oppose direct air capture, with Mark Z. Jacobson advocating for its ban, deeming it too costly and potentially harmful.

Other scientists suggest there isn’t a single fix. Instead, they suggest other options like improving energy efficiency, transitioning to clean energy and weaning the world off of fossil fuels.