Managing the Anthropogenic Carbon Cycle - Technologies, Pathways, Emissions

Effective decarbonization and carbon removal require tools that facilitate holistic yet detailed decisionmaking across interconnected carbon pathways; however, existing research often isolates technologies and focuses on linear process chains. To bridge this gap, we present a systemic framework for the anthropogenic carbon cycle encompassing capture, conversion, utilization, and storage. Through an iterative synthesis and multi-level abstraction process, we decompose the cycle into 46 technological building blocks. These blocks can be assembled into diverse pathway configurations (Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS; Carbon Capture and Utilization, CCU; Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, CCUS) and categorized by their resulting emission balances (net-negative, net-zero, netpositive). This modular representation enables flexible navigation between emerging technologies and established circular value chains, revealing synergies and emission trade-offs. The framework equips decision-makers with a practical tool to design and assess systemic circular carbon strategies.