A science policy analyst estimates that a carbon capture project reduces emissions by 12,000 tons annually, with a 5% annual improvement in efficiency. What will be the emission reduction in the 5th year? (Use geometric sequence: a₅ = a₁ × r⁴)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:09:53 +0000

Science Policy Analyst Reveals Promising Carbon Capture Improvement: 12,000 Tons Reduced Annually with 5% Annual Efficiency Gains In a significant development for climate mitigation efforts, a leading science policy analyst reports that a key carbon capture project is already reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 12,000 tons annually. But what makes this progress truly compelling is the project’s projected 5% annual improvement in efficiency—transforming steady reductions into accelerating climate action. Using a geometric sequence model, the analyst predicts that annual emission reductions grow over time as efficiency improves. This reflects not just installing better filters or upgrading technology, but building momentum through innovation and scaling. ### How the Numbers Work: The Power of Compounding Efficiency