Achieving a Stable Future: Closing the Carbon Cycle in the Anthropocene

What is it about?

This research discusses the significant impact of human activity on biogeochemical cycles, particularly focusing on the carbon cycle, and the potential for achieving a stable Anthropocene climate by closing these cycles. It highlights the existing technologies for reducing carbon emissions, such as emissions-free production of methanol from industrial exhaust, and the historical lag between technological innovation and deployment. The research emphasizes the importance of closing the implementation gap to leverage these technologies effectively. It suggests that closing the carbon cycle could mitigate climate change and proposes the flattening of the Suess effect as an indicator of progress. The discussion includes strategies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Use (CCU), noting their potential roles in achieving a circular economy. The research concludes that a combination of behavioral changes, education, and technological solutions are essential for reaching net-zero carbon emissions and maintaining stability within planetary boundaries.

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Photo by Omkar Jadhav on Unsplash

Photo by Omkar Jadhav on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This perspective study highlights the urgent need for humans to close biogeochemical cycles that have been disrupted, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene—a new climatic equilibrium possibly without historical precedent. This work presents an evaluative viewpoint on the importance of closing these cycles, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, to stabilize the environment and mitigate climate change. The broader relevance lies in achieving a stable state within planetary boundaries, preventing widespread forced adaptation to potentially hostile climates. Key Takeaways: 1. The research discusses the necessity of closing biogeochemical cycles as a measure to maintain Earth's environment akin to the Holocene, thereby preventing further negative human impact on climate. 2. It evaluates the roles of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Use (CCU) technologies, acknowledging that while CCS offers a temporary solution, CCU aligns more closely with circular economy principles. 3. The work presents the concept of using the flattening of the Suess effect as an indicator of progress in closing the carbon cycle and reducing human impact, thus contributing to a managed Earth-human system balance.