CO2 allocation and equity issues under China’s carbon neutrality targets: Recent advances and a review

This editorial establishes the context for our special issue, devoted to exploring CO2 allocation and equity considerations within the framework of China’s ambitions for carbon neutrality. As the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, China has made a pivotal development in mitigating climate change efforts with its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This collection of 16 diverse papers delves into recent advancements, challenges, and thematic explorations related to carbon dioxide emissions, providing a holistic analysis of the allocation mechanisms and the critical balance between equity and efficiency. The contributions, which span a wide range of disciplines, collectively reveal the nuances of integrating economic growth,
social justice, and environmental stewardship in China’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. The editorial not only synthesizes the key insights from the included papers but also frames the overarching narrative, highlighting the significance of collaborative and equitable approaches in achieving China’s carbon neutrality targets.

Keywords: Allocation theme, Carbon dioxide emission, Carbon neutrality target, China, Equity and efficiency

Wei, C., J. Ni, and C.-Z. Li. 2024. CO2 allocation and equity issues under China’s carbon neutrality targets: Recent advances and a review. China Economic Review 83:102108.