Sustainable transformation to carbon neutrality: Obstacles and solutions

To keep global warming well below 1.5°C, world leaders signed the Paris Agreement, but World Meteorological Organization forecasts indicate that it will be difficult to achieve this target, making it extremely imperative to use all tools to achieve sustainable transformation and carbon neutrality within a given timeframe. Therefore, this work focuses on discussing critical issues for sustainable transformation toward a carbon-neutral economy. Firstly, obstacles associated with finance, technology, policy, and resources in the transformation process of the current carbon-rich economy to a low-carbon or carbon-neutral economy were frankly indicated. Secondly, the trends and roles of stakeholders in the progress of carbon neutrality were thoroughly analyzed. Thirdly, the importance of low-carbon technologies and sustainable behaviors in achieving carbon neutrality was discussed critically. Finally, short-to-long-run plans depending on the actual conditions and situations of various nations and governments are suggested in detail. In summary, the findings of this study emphasize that fully complete disruptive technologies, coherence in society awareness combined with sustainable government policies, and strong financial support along with positive participation of technological enterprises are known as a “ tripod iron stand ” for sustainable transformation to carbon neutrality.