An Important Decision for Climate Change: Sequestering Carbon in Materials or Underground?

TL;DR

This paper explores the feasibility of sequestering carbon in structural materials as a cost-effective and energy-efficient strategy to meet climate targets, potentially stimulating economic growth and promoting equity.

Contribution

It introduces a first-order analysis showing that carbon storage in materials can be a viable alternative to traditional extractive methods, with broader economic and climate benefits.

Findings

Carbon storage in materials is feasible and cost-effective.

Using CO2 in synthetic materials can stimulate economic growth.

This approach may accelerate global climate and equity goals.

Abstract

A first-order analysis concludes it is feasible to store the carbon needed to meet the Paris targets in structural materials and use less energy and at a lower cost than our use of extractive materials, steel, aluminum, and concrete. Switching to a synthetic material industry using CO2 from the air will stimulate economic growth and create increased equity while addressing the threat of climate change. The positive feedback between them will accelerate reaching a global accord to address the dual threats of climate change and equity and may, in fact, be needed to avoid the catastrophic consequences of failing to meet them on time.