Configuration of Materially Retained Carbon in Our Society: A WIO-MFA-Based Approach for Japan

To
achieve the goals of Paris Agreement, global society is directing
much effort in substantially reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In addition to energy-related efforts, prevention of carbon release
into the atmosphere with carbon capture and storage (CCS) and/or utilization
of biomass resources is considered indispensable to achieving the
global objective. In this study, considering carbon-containing goods
as carbon reservoirs in our society similar to forests and reservoirs
enabling CCS, the flow of materially utilized carbon was quantified
by input-output-based material flow analysis (IO-MFA). As a result,
in 2011, 6.3 Mt-C of petroleum-derived carbon and 7.9 Mt-C of wood-derived
carbon were introduced to the Japanese society as end-use products
(e.g., automobiles and constructions) in various forms (e.g., plastics
and synthetic rubbers). The total amount (14.2 Mt-C) corresponded
to 4.1% (52.1 Mt-CO2) of annual CO2 emission
in Japan in 2011. Subsequently, by referring to the technology that
can treat carbon in the target forms in end-of-life products, the
recoverability of carbon as a material has been discussed with respect
to each form and end-use of carbon. By numerically showing the necessity
and potential of implementing appropriate technologies, this study
provides scientific direction for policymakers to establish a quality
carbon cycle in our society.