Methods of utilizing carbon dioxide as a main greenhouse gas by producing marketable products

Abstract

The problem of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is one of the key environmental challenges of our time. The growth of their concentration in the atmosphere causes global warming, the appearance of anomalous natural phenomena around the world and hurts the development of local and global economies. In this regard, the development of effective methods for neutralizing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions becomes relevant. The purpose of the research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problem of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (СО2) emissions, as the main greenhouse gas, and to identify promising approaches to its utilization by converting it into marketable products. The article analysed the current state of anthropogenic CO2 emissions on a global scale and identified the main sources of their formation. It is concluded that in the context of intensification of industrial production and growth in energy consumption, namely carbon dioxide, is a multi-ton greenhouse gas that determines the pace of global warming. The author studied and systematized methods for the utilization of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. It was established that the introduction of chemical and technological methods is one of the key tools for implementing the policy of decarbonisation of the economy and achieving the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement. It is possible to utilize carbon dioxide by converting it into useful commercial products: methanol, polymers, and urea. Methanol is a universal raw material for the chemical industry and an alternative fuel; the technology is being actively researched and implemented as a way to store "green" hydrogen and, at the same time, utilize CO2. Polycarbonates are compounds that can be produced from CO2 to reduce dependence on oil resources and create materials with a low carbon footprint. Urea is a chemical substance widely used as a fertilizer; this is one example of successful industrial utilization of carbon dioxide on a large scale. It is emphasized that the implementation of CO2 utilization technologies has not only environmental but also economic significance, as it contributes to the creation of new product markets, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and forming a sustainable low-carbon economy.