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Track to reach net-zero: Progress and pitfalls

Author

Listed:
  • Suhaib A Bandh
  • Fayaz A Malla
  • Tuan-Dung Hoang
  • Irteza Qayoom
  • Haika Mohi-Ud-Din
  • Shahnaz Bashir
  • Richard Betts
  • Thanh Tuan Le
  • Duc Trong Nguyen Le
  • Nguyen Viet Linh Le
  • Huu Cuong Le
  • Dao Nam Cao

Abstract

Over recent years, many companies and countries have established net-zero emission objectives for 2050 or sooner. Frankly, there will be fraught with challenges and dangers to some extent to attain net-zero. Therefore, we scrutinized the importance of net-zero strategies and plans/roadmap to attain these net-zero goals in this review. We found that overcoming the diverse obstacles including settling on a formal definition of the concept, increasing global financing and infrastructure investments, and ensuring that advancements in green technology occur while keeping their costs low or subsidizing them is very imperative to quickly transition away from carbon-emitting fossil fuels. Other challenges could include getting the net-zero ball moving on difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, choosing the correct carbon offsets, not relying solely on renewable energy credits, and striking the right balance between climate-related policies at various levels. Based on the review analysis, we suggested some solutions to achieving net-zero by 2050, as well as long-run scenarios. In short, all components of sustainable development, socioeconomic sustainability, or the pursuit of broad developing opportunities must be matched with a net-zero emission-based economy, this ensures stability and harmony in the balance between national targets and international benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Suhaib A Bandh & Fayaz A Malla & Tuan-Dung Hoang & Irteza Qayoom & Haika Mohi-Ud-Din & Shahnaz Bashir & Richard Betts & Thanh Tuan Le & Duc Trong Nguyen Le & Nguyen Viet Linh Le & Huu Cuong Le & Dao N, 2025. "Track to reach net-zero: Progress and pitfalls," Energy & Environment, , vol. 36(5), pages 2345-2370, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:36:y:2025:i:5:p:2345-2370
    DOI: 10.1177/0958305X241260793
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