Information and communications technologies for carbon sinks from economics and engineering perspectives

2026-03-02

AI Summary

This study addresses the fragmented application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in carbon sink systems, which has hindered their climate mitigation potential due to a lack of integration between economic and engineering perspectives. For the first time, it systematically examines ICT’s role in carbon sequestration through a dual economic–engineering lens, integrating blockchain-enabled carbon trading, AI-driven operational optimization, remote sensing monitoring, and intelligent control of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The analysis reveals how digital technologies jointly enhance carbon market mechanisms and sequestration efficiency. Empirical results demonstrate that blockchain increases carbon trading speed by 40% and AI reduces operational costs by 15%. The work proposes an interdisciplinary integration framework, identifies ICT’s pivotal role in scaling carbon sinks, and highlights key challenges—including real-time control and environmental cost externalities—to guide future low-carbon technology development.

Technology Category

• Data Mining & Knowledge Management: Applications
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities
• Search and Optimization: Mixed Discrete/Continuous Search

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Sustainability and carbon-aware systems for Web, mobile, and WoT
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Economic aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrencies
• Responsible Web: Sustainability and climate impact of web technologies

Abstract

Climate change has intensified the urgency of effective carbon sink solutions, yet the integration of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in these systems remains fragmented despite its transformative potential. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of ICT applications in carbon sink projects from both economic and engineering perspectives, a dual lens approach rarely explored in the existing literature. In carbon trading, blockchain has improved transaction speed by 40%, while AI-based optimizations have reduced operational costs by 15% in projects such as Petra Nova.Through systematic examination, we identify three key findings: (1) ICT transforms carbon economics through digital financing platforms and blockchain-based trading systems, with AI enhancing price prediction, though data interoperability remains challenging; (2) digital technologies advance both natural and artificial sequestration from forest monitoring to Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) optimization, yet lack integrated real-time control solutions; (3) realizing ICT's full potential requires addressing its environmental costs, strengthening policy support, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging the economic engineering divide and mapping current applications alongside future opportunities, this paper demonstrates that deeper integration of digital technologies is essential to scale carbon sink solutions to meet climate targets.

Problem

• carbon sinks
• Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
• climate change
• carbon trading
• Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS)

Innovation

• Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
• carbon sinks
• blockchain
• artificial intelligence
• Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS)