Point source capture with storage yields superior aviation health benefits over direct air capture

Emissions from the continuing expansion of the aviation sector present a serious threat to global climate and public health. Therefore, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology-which comprises two main pathways, namely Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)-has been investigated as a potential solution to mitigate aircraft emissions and reduce their associated public health impacts. CCUS capture approaches can be broadly categorized into two types: Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Point Source Capture (PSC). Only a limited number of studies assess the health impacts of emission reduction technologies. Exploring and comparing the health impacts of different pathways carries significant and far-reaching implications for sustainable development. Accordingly, in this paper, the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) is applied to assess the public health impacts of emissions from 1134 airports worldwide, covering approximately 94% of global operational airports. The findings reveal significant associations between aviation-related pollutants and number of deaths, particularly among men and older adults, with the Point Source Capture-Carbon Capture and Storage (PSC-CCS) pathway demonstrating the greatest potential for minimizing health risks. Then, a cost-benefit analysis shows that while all pathways yield negative net benefit-due to rising costs outpacing revenues-PSC-CCS remains the most economically viable option, with a maximum net benefit of -US$59.13 billion by 2050. In contrast, Direct Air Capture-Carbon Capture and Utilization (DAC-CCU) exhibits the poorest cost-effectiveness, limited by multiple technical and economic constraints.