We describe a very simple method for the formation of high surface area carbon aerogels from melamine–formaldehyde resins, via metal salt (CaCl₂) templating, wherein subcritical drying is used and no activation is required. The metal salt acts as a porogen to generate carbon aerogels with surface area of up to 1100 m² g⁻¹, which exhibit significant CO₂ uptake of up to 2.2 mmol g⁻¹ at 298 K and 1 bar.