How to understand carbon neutrality in the context of climate change? With special reference to China

ABSTRACT Understanding the scientific goals and practical processes of carbon neutrality is a hot topic of current interest to both academic and practical communities. A scientific and correct understanding of carbon neutrality is an important prerequisite for all mankind to deal with climate change and is of great significance to promote the smooth implementation of carbon neutral related policies. Firstly, this paper describes the scientific connotation and practical significance of carbon neutrality from three aspects: the concept of carbon neutrality, the object of carbon removal, and carbon neutrality in macro and micro perspectives. Then, starting from the current characteristics of global carbon emissions, this paper summarizes the main progress, specific implementation measures, policies, resources, technologies, markets and major problems faced by countries in the current global carbon neutrality process. Finally, this paper describes Chinas carbon neutrality goals and roadmap, summarizes the challenges facing Chinas carbon neutrality implementation, and proposes key measures to advance the carbon neutrality process in the future. That is to promote the efficient and clean use of coal, accelerate the replacement of clean energy, enhance the role of natural gas as a bridge in the low-carbon transformation, vigorously develop the “green hydrogen” industry and its industrial chain, increase the application and promotion of CO2 burial and storage, develop carbon conversion and forest carbon sinks, and establish a market mechanism to control carbon emissions.