Carbon Neutrality: Science, Pathways, Policy, and Challenges: A Narrative review

Abstract “Carbon neutrality” (often used interchangeably with “net-zero” in policy discourse) refers to balancing anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with removals over a defined time period. Achieving carbon neutrality is widely framed as essential to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and to limit global warming to well below 2°C — ideally 1.5°C. This review synthesizes the scientific basis for carbon neutrality, common mitigation and carbon-removal strategies, policy and accounting challenges (measurement, permanence, additionality, and leakage), socioeconomic and governance considerations (equity and just transition), and research priorities. We draw on IPCC assessments, pathway analyses (Rogelj et al., 2015), technology and scenario reports (IEA), and literature on negative emissions and carbon removal (Fuss et al., 2014). Practical recommendations focus on sequencing deep emissions reductions, rigorous MRV frameworks, responsible deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and aligning neutrality goals with social safeguards. Keywords: Carbon neutrality; net-zero emissions; greenhouse gas mitigation; carbon dioxide removal (CDR); negative emissions; climate pathways; Paris Agreement; MRV; equity and just transition; climate policy