| Title |
Alternative carbon feedstock for the chemical industry? - Assessing the challenges posed by the human dimension in the carbon transition |
| ID_Doc |
26229 |
| Authors |
Lee, RP |
| Title |
Alternative carbon feedstock for the chemical industry? - Assessing the challenges posed by the human dimension in the carbon transition |
| Year |
2019 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.316 |
| Abstract |
Our society faces a carbon dilemma whereby there is an imbalance between our need for carbon and the dark side of its utilization. Unlike electricity, heat and mobility sectors where a transition towards renewable energy sources is possible, the chemical industry has no alternative to carbon sources for its production. This paper carried out a case analysis of the German chemical industry. The objective is to identify challenges posed by the human dimension for its carbon transition from a dependence on imported carbon resources towards cleaner and sustainable production using domestic primary and secondary carbon feedstock alternatives. Findings from a representative survey study carried out in Germany in October 2017 showed widespread public misconceptions regarding what are carbon sources and a lack of mental associations regarding the use of domestic biomass, coal, waste and CO2 as feedstock alternatives for chemical production. Furthermore, significant regional difference in support/resistance for coal-to-chemicals as a carbon transition route is also observed. This paper represents a first effort to bridge the gap between transition and circular economy research to facilitate the early identification of human-related barriers to a carbon transition for the chemical industry. (C) 2019 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
| Author Keywords |
Carbon transition; Chemical industry; Alternative carbon feedstock; Circular carbon economy; Public perception |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:000463122100071 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.316
|