Modeling of carbon offset networks for process systems to achieve net zero emissions

A carbon cycle model based method is proposed for performance evaluation of carbon offset projects that compensate industrial emissions. As a case study, carbon cycle impact assessment was conducted for five representative approaches to carbon neutrality. The result indicates that fossil to biomass fuel switching is doomed to a high concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and large scale deforestation, and that reduction of emissions is more effective than extension of sequestration from an environmental point of view. Finally, from a social point of view, optimization of carbon offset networks in terms of both carbon cycle dynamics and carbon market economics is suggested as future work.