Advancing Direct Air Capture (DAC) for Community Benefit and Climate Action

Workshop Series Overview

Direct Air Capture, commonly abbreviated as DAC, is a technology currently being developed that removes Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere by using special chemicals for filtration. Integrating community perspectives into DAC projects is crucial to ensure that DAC hubs become community assets, supporting communities’ visions for the future and addressing local concerns. Here's a video and an article introducing DAC.

Our Community DAC Workshops are designed to deepen understanding of Direct Air Capture and foster collaboration between community leaders and the researchers, technology specialists, project developers, and government agencies that typically lead DAC design, development, and deployment.

Nine workshops will be offered between September 2024 and May 2025. Fall Semester 2024 workshops included DAC Technology in Development; DAC Ecosystem Innovation; Community Benefits Plans; and Crowdsource Key Takeaways. Materials are available upon request. The Spring Semester 2025 workshop schedule is below, with all details to be finalized soon. Workshops are free and open to the public but require registration (registration links coming soon). We aim to attract a diverse group of people from across the sectors mentioned above.

Community DAC Q&A: A Conversation with Scientists & Engineers

Thursday, February 27, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM EST (virtual)

Learn directly from scientists and engineers involved in Direct Air Capture (DAC) research and deployment. Questions to be discussed will include how DAC works, current technological developments, and potential impacts on communities and the environment.

Featuring Chris Jones and Matthew Realff from the Georgia Tech Direct Air Capture Center and Ben Wernette from the Southern States Energy Board. Facilitated by Erica Holloman-Hill from Ayika Solutions and the Georgia Tech SCoRE External Advisory Council and Alexandra Rodriguez Dalmau from Georgia Tech SCoRE. 

Regulating Carbon Dioxide Removal: Governance Structures & Implications for Local Communities

Thursday, March 13, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST (in-person/hybrid)

Explore the evolving governance frameworks for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. This workshop will examine challenges and opportunities in the regulatory landscape and governance, globally, nationally, regionally, and locally.

This interactive workshop will be held on Georgia Tech’s campus. A virtual option will also be available, but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged if you live in the Atlanta area. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Featuring Wil Burns from the American University Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal and Nasya Dodson from Carbon 180. Facilitated by Tony Harding from Georgia Tech School of Public Policy and Alicia Scott from Coalitico and the Georgia Tech SCoRE External Advisory Council. 
 

DAC Uncertainties & Risks: CO2 Transport & Geologic Storage

End of March/Early April, Date/Time TBD (virtual)

Learn about the uncertainties and potential risks associated with transporting CO2 and storing it underground as part of Direct Air Capture (DAC) processes. This session will cover challenges related to infrastructure, geological suitability, and long-term monitoring. More details on speakers and facilitators coming soon. Have someone to recommend? Please email us here.
 

Community Collaboration & Governance: Challenges & Opportunities with DAC & Other Large Clean Energy Infrastructure Projects

Late April, Date/Time TBD (virtual)

Hear stories from practitioners who are trying to center community voices and ensure authentic community participation in decision-making in large-scale clean energy infrastructure projects. Discuss strategies for building trust and centering community priorities. More details on speakers and facilitators coming soon. Have someone to recommend? Please email us here.
 

Reflect Together & Crowdsource Key Takeaways

May, Date/Time TBD (virtual)

Reflect together on the spring workshops, identify key takeaways, and discuss potential goals and topics for future workshops/courses.
Workshops will be designed as stand-alone sessions, but participants who attend 4 or more workshops and complete a final deliverable will be eligible to receive a Georgia Tech digital badge of completion. Final deliverables will be designed through consultation with Georgia Tech SCoRE to advance each participant’s individual learning and action goals.

Value for Attendees

Learn About DAC

Learn about Direct Air Capture (DAC) at the intersection of technology and community.

Collaborate Across Sectors

Engage in meaningful dialogue and activities with people from different communities and sectors to expand your networks and create an unlikely coalition of people committed to centering the community in clean energy and decarbonization projects.

Develop Innovative Pathways

Work together to push innovative concepts for designing and deploying DAC to advance community priorities.