Pathways to Carbon Neutrality: A Review of CO2 Reduction Strategies

The global climate crisis, driven largely by the escalating levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, has prompted an urgent need for effective mitigation strategies. CO2, the predominant greenhouse gas, is primarily released through fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and deforestation. Its continuous accumulation in the atmosphere has led to severe climate disruptions, including rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification. In response, the scientific community and policymakers worldwide have turned their focus toward the development of comprehensive CO2 reduction technologies. However, despite considerable progress, the challenge remains to identify, optimize, and implement these methods on a global scale. This review paper provides a holistic analysis of the current CO2 reduction technologies, assessing their mechanisms, efficiencies, and scalability. The paper aims to categorize and evaluate a broad spectrum of techniques, including CO2 capture, storage, and utilization. By integrating both well-established and emerging technologies, this review presents a complete picture of the existing landscape of CO2 mitigation efforts. The results of this review indicate that while CO2 capture and storage technologies offer immediate potential to curb emissions, their high costs and energy demands pose significant challenges to widespread adoption. On the other hand, utilization methods, particularly the conversion of CO2 into fuels and chemicals, demonstrate promising economic prospects but are still limited by technological barriers. Ultimately, this paper highlights the need for a multifaceted approach that combines technological innovation, policy support, and international collaboration to achieve long-term carbon neutrality.