Carbon uptake by cement in China: Estimation and contribution to carbon neutrality goals

Cement is a widely used construction material globally. Its manufacturing contributes to anthropogenic CO2 emissions significantly. However, its alkaline compounds can absorb CO2 from the surrounding environment and engage in a carbonation reaction, thereby functioning as a carbon sink. As a major cement producer and consumer, China has an important responsibility to rigorously investigate and accurately account for cement carbon uptake. This study presents a comprehensive analytical model of cement carbon uptake from China, revealing a substantial increase in carbon uptake from 1930 to 2021, peaking at 426.77 MtCO2 (95