Avoiding Burden Shifting in Circular and Low-Carbon Solutions
Compare options across life cycles, connected systems and multiple environmental impacts.
Research insights based on published literature and public resources. Consult the sources for publication types, original authorship and institutional affiliations.
The question
Recycling, bio-based substitution and low-carbon energy are often used to reduce emissions. They may also change resource use, land demand or other environmental pressures. Evaluating their value requires comparing full life cycles and system conditions.
What the literature shows
A plastics study co-authored by Sangwon Suh links an industry model to the planetary-boundaries framework. It shows that a climate-optimal circular scenario does not necessarily satisfy all environmental constraints. The result emphasizes multi-impact assessment rather than rejecting circular strategies.
Related member research and resources
The selected studies on circular plastics, hydrogen production and urban food–energy–water systems illustrate systems analysis at different scales. Reading them together helps connect technology choices with energy sources, material flows and resource constraints.
What remains open
Which conclusions depend on electricity supply, recycling rates or future scenarios? Do local improvements persist at scale? Decisions still require checking functional units, substitution assumptions and uncertainty, rather than treating one scenario as a universal promise.