From Carbon Sources to Carbon Sinks: Technological Innovation and Industrial Transformation under the Global Carbon Neutrality Strategy

Abstract

The frequent occurrence of extreme weather events caused by global warming has made carbon neutrality a core strategy for countries to address climate change. As of 2024, over 130 countries and regions have set carbon neutrality targets. China has explicitly pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and the European Union plans to do so by 2050. Against this backdrop, the coordinated advancement of "carbon source control" and "carbon sink enhancement" has become crucial, and technological innovation is the core driving force for overcoming emission reduction bottlenecks and promoting industrial transformation. Through literature analysis and empirical case studies, this article systematically explores the logic of the balance between carbon sources and carbon sinks under the global carbon neutrality strategy. It focuses on the technological pathways for carbon source reduction (energy, industry, and transportation) and carbon sink enhancement (natural and artificial). It summarizes low-carbon transformation models for energy-intensive industries and experiences in cultivating emerging low-carbon industries. Furthermore, it proposes countermeasures to address issues such as high technology costs and insufficient regional coordination. Research has found that achieving carbon neutrality through a single technological or industrial transformation is difficult. Instead, a coordinated system of "technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and policy support" is needed. By leveraging both carbon sources and carbon sinks, this system can drive the global low-carbon transition. This article can provide a reference for countries formulating carbon neutrality policies and for businesses implementing low-carbon practices, thereby contributing to the realization of global climate governance goals.