Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Radiocarbon (14C) serves as a unique physical tracer for fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) owing to its absence in ancient fuels. This review synthesizes methodologies and applications of 14C in quantifying CO2ff emissions from urban to regional scales. It outlines the theoretical framework for partitioning CO2ff from other sources using Δ14C and summarizes advances in sampling strategies and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis. Key methodological challenges—including disequilibrium fluxes from terrestrial and oceanic reservoirs, sparse observational networks, and uncertainties in atmospheric inversion models—are critically assessed. The review highlights the pivotal role of 14C in independently verifying rapid, policy-driven emission reductions during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which provided a clear signal distinct from natural variability. Case studies, with a particular focus on China, demonstrate its utility in tracking spatial gradients and long-term trends. Looking forward, synergistic pathways that integrate multi-tracer observations, expanded monitoring networks, and enhanced modeling are discussed to strengthen the role of 14C within a comprehensive CO2ff monitoring and verification framework.
Source: Atmosphere
Institutions: Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao Binhai University
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7147247531