Scientists have estimated how much carbon is stored in all human-made products.

Carbon is accumulating in everyday materials, posing both dangers and potential solutions. Researchers in the Netherlands have found that plastics, buildings, and other human-made products now store enormous quantities of fossil carbon. 

While these materials act as a temporary carbon sink, poor management could lead to significant greenhouse gas emissions.  

The study, published in Cell Reports Sustainability, reveals that the “technosphere” - the sum of all human-made artefacts - accumulated about 8.4 billion tonnes of fossil carbon between 1995 and 2019, nearly 93 per cent of global CO₂ emissions in 2019. 

Each year, approximately 400 million tonnes of fossil carbon are added to long-lasting products. 

Using 2011 data on global material flows, the study found that 9 per cent of extracted fossil carbon ended up in durable materials. 

Construction materials like bitumen accounted for 34 per cent, while rubber and plastics represented 30 per cent.

Many of these products degrade slowly - taking decades or even centuries to break down.  

Disposal methods pose environmental challenges. 

Of the fossil carbon disposed of from 1995 to 2019, 1.2 billion tonnes were burned, adding carbon to the atmosphere. 

Another 1.2 billion tonnes ended up in landfills, while 1.1 billion tonnes were recycled. 

“If you burn it, you increase carbon emissions. If this fossil carbon ends up sequestered in landfill, it could be considered a form of carbon sequestration, but it also poses an environmental hazard,” said co-author Franco Ruzzenenti.  

The researchers suggest extending product lifespans and improving recycling rates to reduce carbon waste streams. 

They are also investigating biogenic carbon sequestration - using plant-based materials like wood in construction. 

“This will allow us to assess whether relying on biogenic carbon in durables could be a viable option,” said first author Kaan Hidiroglu.  

The researchers say improving waste management policies and advancing a circular economy could prevent the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. 

The study calls for urgent action to address this often-overlooked environmental risk.  

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