Systems analysis of field and laboratory experiments considering impacts of CO2 leakage in terrestrial systems

Geological CO2 storage will be designed to prevent any CO2 leakage. However, as recognized by the European Commission's (EC) CO2 Storage Directive, a capability is needed to assess leakage impacts, even though leaks are unlikely. The RISCS project, which is funded by the EC and industry, is developing approaches to assess possible CO2 leakage impacts on near surface ecosystems. During the project the impacts of CO2 on terrestrial ecosystems were investigated using field experiments and systems models. A comparison between results from the experiments and models builds confidence that the main CO2 impacts on these systems can be adequately modelled.