Biogenic Carbon Storage in Global Technosphere for 2011

Global analysis quantifies 0.96 ± 0.15 gigatons of biogenic carbon stored annually in durable goods and landfills for the year 2011. The dataset models carbon flows using Multi-Regional Supply-Use Tables and tracks end-of-life fate until 2100 across recycling, landfill, and emission pathways. It was created by Kaan Hidiroglu to assess the temporal dynamics and climate impacts of biogenic carbon storage.

Use Cases

• Model long-term bio-C storage potential and discharge timing using lifetime-based discharge modeling until 2100.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses on product lifetime assumptions and lifetime distribution functions to assess variability in carbon retention.
• Evaluate the impact of the methane generation factor in landfills on cumulative global warming impacts.
• Analyze gross additions to stock (GAS) flows to distinguish feedstock uses from long-term carbon storage in durable goods.

Strengths

• Quantifies a specific global bio-C storage magnitude of 0.96 ± 0.15 GtC/year for 2011.
• Provides a novel material flow analysis framework distinguishing feedstock uses from gross additions to stock.
• Models carbon fate across multiple pathways (recycling, landfill, emission) with projections to 2100.
• Includes sensitivity analyses on key parameters like product lifetime and methane generation.

Limitations

• The dataset is small in file size (220.6 KB), indicating limited raw data or aggregated summary results.
• Analysis is based on a single reference year (2011), limiting insights into recent trends or changes.
• Projections to 2100 rely on modeling assumptions, introducing uncertainty beyond the core 2011 data.

Provenance

Source

Kaan Hidiroglu via figshare.

Collection Method

Constructed using Multi-Regional Supply-Use Tables and detailed extension accounts for 2011, applying a novel material flow analysis and lifetime-based discharge modeling.

Time Range

Primary data for 2011, with model projections extending to 2100.

Freshness

Data reference year is 2011, though the record was last updated in 2026.

Geography

Global economy.