The growing concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, is the leading cause of anthropogenic climate change. Despite the global shift toward renewable energy and energy efficiency, fossil fuels still account for a significant portion of the world's energy supply. CCS provides a transitional solution that allows for continued use of fossil fuels while drastically reducing their environmental impact.

Additionally, CCS is one of the few technologies capable of decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and chemical manufacturing. It also plays a critical role in producing low-carbon hydrogen and enabling negative emissions when combined with bioenergy (known as BECCS—Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage).