Urban decarbonization policies and strategies: A sectoral review

IF 16.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Pub Date : 2025-03-18 DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2025.115617

F. Soares , M.C. Silva , I. Azevedo

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Abstract

Cities hold the lion's share of global greenhouse gas emissions. The continued increase of urbanization rates and the contribution of urban activities to climate change places urban areas at the heart of global decarbonization efforts. Cities worldwide have implemented a diversity of policy agendas, with those from the European Union being amongst the most ambitious, seeking to become net-zero by 2050. This study provides a literature review of decarbonization policies and strategies in global cities across sectors (e.g. buildings, transport, digitalization and cross-cutting programs). It aims at identifying existing trends and gaps in policy adoption and implementation, as well as the respective challenges and opportunities to help grasp the most effective policies in each sector. The role of different stakeholders in urban decarbonization is also discussed, alongside the key factors of successful policy deployment, including the importance of monitoring and evaluation. This review is expected to provide useful insights to local level decision-makers, as further decarbonization efforts are needed in the pursuit of carbon neutrality goals, and climate change mitigation.

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来源期刊

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 工程技术-能源与燃料

CiteScore

31.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

1055

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The mission of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is to disseminate the most compelling and pertinent critical insights in renewable and sustainable energy, fostering collaboration among the research community, private sector, and policy and decision makers. The journal aims to exchange challenges, solutions, innovative concepts, and technologies, contributing to sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon future, and the attainment of emissions targets outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews publishes a diverse range of content, including review papers, original research, case studies, and analyses of new technologies, all featuring a substantial review component such as critique, comparison, or analysis. Introducing a distinctive paper type, Expert Insights, the journal presents commissioned mini-reviews authored by field leaders, addressing topics of significant interest. Case studies undergo consideration only if they showcase the work's applicability to other regions or contribute valuable insights to the broader field of renewable and sustainable energy. Notably, a bibliographic or literature review lacking critical analysis is deemed unsuitable for publication.