Low‐Carbon Transition

Abstract

Global climate change driven by increased human emissions of heat‐trapping greenhouse gases has gradually produced widespread economic and environmental negative effects. Low‐carbon transition refers to the processes by which a country or region changes from carbon‐intensive to renewable and cleaner low‐carbon industries and ways of life. Global climate targets have been set and methods of measuring carbon emissions that monitor the progress of low‐carbon transition have been established. A distinction is made between production‐ and consumption‐based carbon emissions involving the measurement of emissions embodied in trade activities. Unevenness of transitions toward low‐carbon economies and international carbon inequalities are evident. The concepts of Nationally Determined Contributions and of Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality have been proposed, and some climate mitigation and adaptation strategies have gained prominence worldwide.