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Pathways to Carbon Neutrality: A Review of Strategies and Technologies Across Sectors

Author

Listed:
  • Israa Al Khaffaf

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates)

  • Adil Tamimi

    (Department of Civil Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates)

  • Vian Ahmed

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Climate change, driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, poses a critical threat to the planet, prompting countries worldwide to pledge carbon neutrality by the mid-century. This literature review identifies and analyzes strategies and technologies for achieving carbon neutrality across various sectors and regions. The study aims to determine the research focus across sectors, highlighting the well-studied sectors while identifying critical gaps in other sectors, offering policymakers and researchers a clearer understanding of which sectors need more attention and investment to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Through employing a systematic literature review approach, PRISMA 2020, 113 articles published between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed using content and bibliometric analysis. The results of the content analysis show that the energy sector is the most extensively studied, with a focus on the integration of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies. Furthermore, results showed promising developments in energy-efficient electrification methods, and circular economy principles can be seen in the building, transportation, and industrial sectors. On the other hand, while having a large potential for sequestering carbon, the agriculture and forestry sectors are still understudied. As for the bibliometric analysis, this study reveals the complex interplay between technological innovation, sectoral strategies, and policy intervention in achieving carbon neutrality. It highlights the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches that consider interactions between technological, economic, social, and environmental factors. The analysis also emphasizes the importance of lifecycle assessment, economic complexity, and investments in shaping effective carbon neutrality strategies. As such, future research should address the identified gaps, particularly in agriculture and forestry, and develop more comprehensive models for the transition to carbon neutrality that incorporate both technological solutions and broader socio-economic considerations.

Suggested Citation

  • Israa Al Khaffaf & Adil Tamimi & Vian Ahmed, 2024. "Pathways to Carbon Neutrality: A Review of Strategies and Technologies Across Sectors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-38, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:23:p:6129-:d:1537281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Beatriz Silva & David Malheiro & Dinis Júnior & Francisca Nunes & Joana Santos & Liliana Guimarães & Maria Socorro & Mariana Carvalho & Mariana Silva & Rui M. Lima & Rui M. Sousa, 2025. "Analysis of the Carbon Footprint of a Textile Company for the Automotive Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Li, Yuanshun & Liu, Liang & Li, Xinyuan & Zhang, Aoran, 2025. "From social networks to sustainable solutions: Unpacking the influence of social capital on green innovation," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    4. Nam-Shin Kim & Jae-Ho Lee & Chang-Seok Lee, 2025. "Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Carbon Sequestration Potential Across South Korea: A CASA Model-Based Assessment of NPP, Heterotrophic Respiration, and NEP," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Peng Li & Li Wang & Peiqiang Zhang & Peng Yan & Chongyang Li & Zhe Nan & Jun Wang, 2025. "Strategic Demand Response for Economic Dispatch in Wind-Integrated Multi-Area Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, April.
    6. Emmanouil Hatzigeorgiou & Eleni Koilakou, 2025. "Decomposition analysis of energy-related CO2 emissions: an empirical study for selected EU economies," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 1-12, September.
    7. A. Akofa Amegboleza & M. Ali Ülkü, 2025. "Sustainable Energy Transition for the Mining Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Emerging Research Pathways," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-21, March.
    8. Miller, Gregory S. & Stockbridge, Douglas R. & Williams, Christopher D., 2026. "Mandatory disclosure of investors’ fossil fuel holdings," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 81(1).

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