Abstract

<bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Background:</i></b> With climate change becoming a critical issue, scientists and policymakers are developing solutions to address the risks it poses. One such solution is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which reduces the amount of CO<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> that enters the atmosphere by capturing it and storing it underground. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Literature review:</i></b> Previous research on CCS has focused on the technical interpretation of risk through quantitative risk analyses. Social science research has focused on public acceptance of CCS, and to what extent knowledge about risks plays a role. However, a comparison of risk perceptions from both CCS developers and local community members during a CCS study, and why these perceptions are different is absent. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Research questions:</i></b> This article attempts to fill this gap by asking: 1. How do perceptions of potential CCS risks vary between interested local community members and CCS technical professionals, and how do these perceptions influence the messaging and receiving of risk communication? 2. What personal, institutional, and other factors, such as past experiences with heavy industry, influence how people view CCS and its risks? <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Methodology:</i></b> Through 30 interviews and participant observation, this study examines the varied perspectives on the risks of CCS among local community members and CCS professionals analyzed using thematic coding and a quantitative analysis of codes. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Results and discussion:</i></b> Findings suggest that there are clear differences in how local community members and CCS professionals think about the risks of CCS, such as CCS professionals addressing risks to the project rather than risks of the project that community members reference most frequently. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Implications:</i></b> By identifying institutional reasons why these gaps in risk perceptions appear, this article provides insights into what risk communication practices are being used and how they impact project communication.