Sustainability footprints of a renewable carbon transition for the petrochemical sector within planetary boundaries

The petrochemical industry requires 25% of Earth’s operating capacitySustainability 50 “renewable” carbon routes for the sector was examinedRoutes with largest CO2 savings transgress biodiversity boundary by 30%Planetary boundaries should be incorporated in decarbonization planning Using novel technologies to curb emissions hard-to-abate industrial sectors has received increasing attention combatting climate change. However, sustainability assessments such are often limited footprint analyses and CO2-emission-saving potential. Here, we assessed impact transitioning away from fossil toward renewable feedstocks relative nine planetary boundaries. We found that decision- policy-making focused solely on mitigating could lead actions severely exacerbate loss compromise resilience. Our results highlight need holistic environmental beyond mitigation potential guide low-carbon transitions underpinning sustainable development. will play a crucial role developing transition technologies, but also contributes significant proportion greenhouse gas emissions. Momentum is building help reduce this sector, particularly through replacing biomass, captured CO2, other recycled resources, broader implications these so-called “solutions” remain unclear. assess overall “renewable pathways” quantifying their life-cycle footprints respect previously defined show although shift pathways indeed over 100%, scenario lowest exceed at least 30%. work highlights pitfalls overlooking global guardrails reduction identifies new avenues solutions sectors. IntroductionThe chemical what known as sector. 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Allocating economies: Distributional consequences fairness.Glob. 60: 102017Crossref (45) ScholarFigure 2Performance satisfying 2020Show full caption(A) status control variables where axis corresponds level, (SOS = zone depicts SOS, yellow uncertainty, red risk zone. gray region shows part black industry. pressures exerted change, adjusted latest available estimates intactness index (experimental procedures).(B) occupied PB. Boxplots bars indicate variation inventory data whiskers excluding outliers according 1.5 interquartile rule procedures).View Large Image View