The present disclosure relates to methods and systems suitable for chemical production by dehydrogenation of ethane utilizing carbon dioxide as a soft oxidant. Ethane and carbon dioxide are reacted in a catalytic reactor to produce a reaction product stream comprising at least ethylene and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide can be separated for recycling back into the catalytic reactor, and the ethylene can be upgraded using a variety of process units. Heat from the reaction product stream can be recycle for further uses, including reducing the amount of added heating needed in the catalytic reactor. Additional materials, such carbon monoxide, hydrogen, syngas, methanol, methane, ethane, and even heavier hydrocarbons can be provided.