Carbon reduction and co-benefits through nature-based solution at a large petrochemical contaminated site in Beijing: Policy implications for China

Abstract

The contaminated land remediation industry in China has experienced explosive growth in recent years. However, traditional remediation strategies that typically require high energy and resource inputs are faced with major challenges under China’s 2060 carbon neutrality goal. Here, we provide an environmental sustainability assessment of the remediation of a large petrochemical site, particularly from carbon emissions, using life cycle assessment and calculation of the net ecosystem carbon budget; the results showed that the two traditional remediation strategies had carbon emissions of 6.08 × 10⁸ and 1.10 × 10⁸ kg CO₂ equivalent (CO₂ eq) respectively, and nature-based solution (NbS) reduced carbon emissions to 1.80×10⁶ kg CO₂ eq, corresponding to 99.8% and 98.6% reductions, respectively. Furthermore, if considering the remediation of a total of 302 petrochemical facilities in China, the estimated carbon emissions were 5.53×10¹¹ and 9.99×10¹⁰ kg CO₂ eq based on the two traditional remediation strategies; however, net carbon storage in the NbS could be up to 5.58 × 10⁸ kg CO₂ eq if only 30% of the petrochemical-contaminated sites would adopt NbS strategies. Finally, challenges for adopting NbS strategies in China are discussed, and sustainable remediation framework and policy recommendation for implementing NbS are suggested. Our findings not only underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of NbS strategies but also provide valuable insights for sustainable management of contaminated sites in China.