The idea that a technology called carbon capture and storage (CCS) could catch molecules of CO₂ as they emerge from the chimneys of power stations and factories has been around for more than two decades. Michael Gove, the secretary of state responsible for "leveling up" the UK's regions, recently justified his approval of the UK's first new coal mine in 30 years with "increased use of CCS". There's only one problem: CCS won't cancel out Woodhouse Colliery's emissions, which are estimated at 400,000 tons a year, because it barely exists.