The bioeconomy aims to replace fossil-based, non-renewable products with those derived from biological resources and processes. The bioeconomy intersects with carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through nature-based and engineered pathways such as afforestation/reforestation, biochar, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. Leveraging the bioeconomy for effective CDR requires a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of diverse biomass pathways, as well as their CDR effectiveness across different technologies, regions, and timeframes. However, acquiring these insights is challenging due to limited knowledge of system-wide effects and the lack of robust assessment methodologies across spatial and temporal dimensions. 

This talk will present transdisciplinary, multi-scale systems modeling frameworks developed by Dr. Yuan Yao’s research group to address these critical knowledge and methodological gaps. These frameworks systematically integrate industrial ecology approaches, such as life cycle assessment and material flow analysis, with methods from other disciplines, including machine learning, engineering process modeling, and economic-ecological modeling. Through several case studies, the presentation will demonstrate how these integrated frameworks enhance our fundamental understanding of the interconnected ecological, industrial, and economic systems across various scales. Furthermore, the talk will discuss policy implications and illustrate how these frameworks can inform system-level design for a resource-efficient, climate-beneficial bioeconomy that aligns with global sustainability goals.

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The David Bradford Energy and Environmental Policy Seminar Series is coordinated by the Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment (C-PREE), and co-sponsored by the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI). This seminar is also co-sponsored by the Urban Nexus Lab.

This in-person event is open to the public. Princeton University community members do not need to RSVP. Members of the general public should RSVP to ccrosby@princeton.edu and will be accommodated as space allows.

This seminar will be livestreamed at http://mediacentrallive.princeton.edu/ and videos of the recordings are posted on C-PREE's YouTube channel within a week or two after the event.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.