Global strategies for a low-carbon future: Lessons from the US, China, and EU's pursuit of carbon neutrality

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2024-07, Vol.461, p.142635, Article 142635
• Main Authors: Evro, Solomon, Oni, Babalola Aisosa, Tomomewo, Olusegun Stanley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon capture and storage; Carbon neutrality; Circular economy; Climate change mitigation; Renewable energy transition
• ISSN: 0959-6526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142635

Carbon neutrality strategies have a significant role in climate mitigation efforts. As global concerns regarding climate change continue to increase, achieving carbon neutrality has emerged as a paramount objective for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the adverse impacts of anthropogenic activities on the environment. This research investigates a wide range of scholarly works to conduct an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the relevant information about carbon neutrality strategies. The review introduces carbon neutrality principles and terminologies, highlighting their importance in climate mitigation. It then proceeds to explore the wide range of strategies employed across different sectors and industries, investigating their effectiveness, scalability, and potential challenges. A multidimensional analysis contrasts the United States Nationally Determined Contributions pathway 2023, China's Nationally Determined contributions 2023, and the EU Directive 2023/2413, assessing their economic, environmental, political, and social impacts. The study evaluates strategies' effectiveness, scalability, and innovation for transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon future. It fills a gap by analyzing global approaches across the US, China, and the EU, which account for about 50% of the world's total GHG emissions. It evaluates the novel application of diverse strategies, from renewable energy transitions to innovative policy measures, highlighting their potential to mitigate climate change effectively. By providing a multidimensional analysis of these strategies' impacts, the research not only enhances understanding of effective carbon neutrality tactics but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in realizing a sustainable, low-carbon future. •Identifies and analyzes carbon neutrality strategies, emphasizing the need for diverse US, Chinese, and EU approaches.•Evaluate renewable energy, carbon capture, and policy tools for carbon reduction effectiveness, scalability, and innovation.•Highlights the study's novelty in synthesizing current knowledge on carbon neutrality, addressing a significant research gap.•Concludes with strategic ideas for international collaboration and policy development for low-carbon futures.