The MechanicalTree is among the well-known technologies designed to help counter threats posed by an atmosphere in which carbon dioxide emitted from various industrial operations and vehicles that burn fossil fuels can be captured and rendered less harmful. The technology was developed based largely on work by Fulton Schools Professor Klaus Lackner, founding director of ASU’s Center for Negative Carbon Emissions. Earlier this year, ASU was awarded a large grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help build a carbon capture hub in the Southwest with an industry partner, Carbon Collect. Despite its capabilities, however, there are critics who contend that carbon capture technology does not adequately protect the environment.