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. 2024 Nov 12;27(12):111360.
doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111360. eCollection 2024 Dec 20.

Media frame development of direct air capture 2011-2023: A comparative analysis of Europe and North America

Paul J Upham  1 , Emina Ibrahimović  1
Affiliations

Media frame development of direct air capture 2011-2023: A comparative analysis of Europe and North America

Paul J Upham et al. iScience. .

Abstract

Media portrayal of direct air capture (DAC) matters for public opinion and policy. How is DAC framed in the North American and European press, are there differences between the two, and what are the implications for public perceptions of DAC? This study provides an insight into the media frames of DAC in North American and European news articles, for the period 2011-2023. With no prior work on this topic, five generic media frames were used for classification purposes. While the study is intended to be exploratory rather than definitive, European articles were found to be more critical than North American articles, more often viewing DAC as an expensive mitigation option. North American articles highlighted the lack of government financial support for DAC. The employment and economic potential of DAC was acknowledged in both newspaper datasets. Although DAC is relatively little framed in relation to human interest, morality, or conflict, these frames may be important in shaping public opinion in future.

Keywords: Engineering; Materials science engineering; Social sciences.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
Article publication per year 2011–2023 for Europe and North America
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of news media frames over the time period of 2011–2023 in Europe Note: Frequency is the cumulative frame mentions per year per news media frame.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage distribution of news media frames over the time period of 2011–2023 in Europe Note: Percentages relate to the number of published articles each year.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Distribution of news media frames over the time period of 2015–2023 in North America Note: Percentages relate to the number of published articles each year.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Normalized distribution of news media frames over the time period of 2015–2023 in North America Note: annual percentages are referenced to annual frequencies, to account for the differing number of articles published each year.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Attribution of responsibility: Percentage of frame indicators for Europe and North America Note: for Tables 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the percentages relate to the total set of frame indicators, on a per continent basis.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Human interest: Percentage of frame indicators for Europe and North America
Figure 8
Figure 8
Conflict: Percentage of frame indicators for Europe and North America
Figure 9
Figure 9
Morality: Percentage of frame indicators for Europe and North America
Figure 10
Figure 10
Economic consequences: Percentage of frame indicators for Europe and North America
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