Communication of CCS monitoring activities may not have a reassuring effect on the public

An online experiment (N = 200) was conducted to investigate the influence of information about monitoring measures at CO2 storage sites on laypeople's perceptions of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). One experimental group received only a basic introductory text, while the other group received additional information about CO2 monitoring. Men in the monitoring condition exhibited significantly lower acceptance, significantly higher levels of negative affect, and marginally higher risk perception of CCS; no significant effects were observed in the female subsample. We conclude that information about monitoring activities does not exert a reassuring effect and may even be alarming when actively communicated. The gender difference may be explained by a difference in the salience of mental concepts between men and women regarding CCS. Implications for communication about CCS and for future research are discussed.

► An online experiment was conducted among the Swiss public.
► Information about monitoring influences laypeople's perception of CCS.
► Monitoring information raised negative affect and lowered acceptance in men.
► Women's negative affect remained high, acceptance remained low.
► CCS communication should be carefully adapted to laypeople's mental models.