Strategies to achieve a carbon neutral society: a review

Abstract

The increasing global industrialization and over-exploitation of fossil fuels has induced the release of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in global temperature and causing environmental issues. There is therefore an urgent necessity to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Only 4.5% of countries have achieved carbon neutrality, and most countries are still planning to do so by 2050-2070. Moreover, synergies between different countries have hampered synergies between adaptation and mitigation policies, as well as their co-benefits. Here, we present a strategy to reach a carbon neutral economy by examining the outcome goals of the 26th summit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26). Methods have been designed for mapping carbon emissions, such as input-output models, spatial systems, geographic information system maps, light detection and ranging techniques, and logarithmic mean divisia. We present decarbonization technologies and initiatives, and negative emissions technologies, and we discuss carbon trading and carbon tax. We propose plans for carbon neutrality such as shifting away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy, and the development of low-carbon technologies, low-carbon agriculture, changing dietary habits and increasing the value of food and agricultural waste. Developing resilient buildings and cities, introducing decentralized energy systems, and the electrification of the transportation sector is also necessary. We also review the life cycle analysis of carbon neutral systems.

Keywords: Carbon emissions; Carbon neutral system; Carbon neutrality; Life cycle analysis; Net-zero carbon plan; Worldwide initiatives.

Fig. 1

The main outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties. Figure 1 illustrates the four main outcome goals of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties: secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 °C within reach, adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, mobilize finance, and work together to deliver. These four outcome goals focus on coal, electric vehicles, cash, and trees

Fig. 2

A summary of how interrelationships and synergies between mitigation and adaptation strategies co-benefit each other. For example, the usage of solar power for electricity or heating lowers carbon emissions as solar power is a renewable energy source hence mitigating climate change. Additionally, the usage of solar power adapts to climate change as solar power is resilient to climate change problems like storms and high temperatures, unlike the centralized grid systems that are vulnerable. The authors recommend that new carbon neutrality policies focus on mitigation and adaptation together rather than mitigation alone

Fig. 3

Carbon emissions are classified into three main categories, including direct, indirect and indirect value-chain emissions. Direct emissions are generated by mobile and stationary sources of direct fuel combustion. Indirect emissions are a result of the consumption of electricity or heat. Indirect value-chain emissions include those associated with the processing of products and waste management, among others