Designing A Carbon Utilization Network

Abstract

As global populations surge toward an estimated 10 billion by 2050, ensuring food security through national self-sufficiency has become critically urgent. Traditional agricultural systems, particularly in arid regions with scarce water, infertile soil, and harsh climates, cannot meet these demands. This paper explores innovative agricultural practices, focusing on carbon utilization in greenhouse farming as a pivotal solution to enhance food production in challenging environments. By leveraging 〖CO〗_2 enrichment in greenhouses, we can significantly boost crop productivity, optimize resource use, and contribute to a circular economy by capturing 〖CO〗_2 from industrial by-products. The study is structured into two stages: selecting the optimal 〖CO〗_2 sources and allocating them to greenhouse locations. Economically, this approach can reduce operational costs, stimulate local agricultural sectors, and decrease reliance on food imports, fostering resilience against global market fluctuations. In conclusion, optimizing 〖CO〗_2 distribution in greenhouse farming addresses immediate agricultural productivity challenges and aligns with broader sustainability and environmental conservation goals. This paper advocates for a collaborative effort among policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to advance 〖CO〗_2 distribution models, ensuring their integration into comprehensive food security strategies. By fostering innovation and strategic alignment, we can secure a sustainable, productive, and resilient global food system, particularly in arid regions like Qatar, which are facing significant agricultural challenges. 

Date of Award	2024
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering