A new study estimates that billions of tons of carbon from fossil fuels have been stored in long-lasting human-made items, such as gadgets, building materials, and infrastructure, over the past 25 years. This “technosphere” has grown at a rate faster than fossil fuel emissions, with 400 million tons of carbon added annually. However, many of these items eventually end up in landfills or incinerators, releasing carbon emissions back into the atmosphere. The study suggests that nearly 30% of fossil carbon is trapped in rubber and plastic, while 25% is stored in bitumen, a byproduct of crude oil. The authors warn that the technosphere is a “ticking time bomb” and that humans are not good at recycling. They propose that designing products to be recycled and last longer can help keep carbon trapped for longer. Ultimately, the solution starts with reducing consumption and avoiding waste. The study highlights the need for more sustainable management of the technosphere to mitigate climate change.
The Secret Carbon Reserve in Your Devices
