Technologies and perspectives for achieving carbon neutrality

Innovation (Camb). 2021 Oct 30;2(4):100180. doi: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100180. eCollection 2021 Nov 28.

Abstract

Global development has been heavily reliant on the overexploitation of natural resources since the Industrial Revolution. With the extensive use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other forms of land-use change, anthropogenic activities have contributed to the ever-increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, causing global climate change. In response to the worsening global climate change, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is the most pressing task on the planet. To this end, it is of utmost importance and a significant challenge to reform the current production systems to reduce GHG emissions and promote the capture of CO2 from the atmosphere. Herein, we review innovative technologies that offer solutions achieving carbon (C) neutrality and sustainable development, including those for renewable energy production, food system transformation, waste valorization, C sink conservation, and C-negative manufacturing. The wealth of knowledge disseminated in this review could inspire the global community and drive the further development of innovative technologies to mitigate climate change and sustainably support human activities.

Keywords: carbon capture and utilization; carbon footprint reduction; carbon neutrality; carbon sequestration; climate change mitigation; renewable energy.

Publication types

  • Review