The 9th International Conference on Surface Engineering (ICSE 2024)

In the face of escalating climate change, achieving "Carbon Zero" or "Carbon Neutrality" has become a global imperative. Carbon Zero refers to balancing greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide). This concept is central to global climate strategies, including the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. This presentation will explore the essential components of carbon zero and its pathways. Technological innovation, policy intervention, and societal shifts are essential to the transition toward carbon zero. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower play a central role in reducing emissions, while energy efficiency improvements in industry, transportation, and buildings help lower demand. Carbon sequestration technologies, including reforestation and carbon capture and storage, are vital tools for offsetting unavoidable emissions. While challenges remain—such as financing large-scale renewable projects, transitioning high-carbon industries, and ensuring social equity—the journey toward carbon zero is vital for a sustainable future. By integrating technological innovation, regulatory measures, and behavioral shifts, it is possible to achieve a carbon-neutral world, thereby mitigating the worst effects of climate change. Non-trade barriers, including regulatory standards, certification requirements, and environmental regulations, are critical in driving the low-carbon transition. These barriers, though designed to protect the environment and public health, can present challenges to international trade by limiting the import and export of goods that do not meet new carbon-related criteria. However, these standards can also incentivize innovation and the adoption of greener technologies, further supporting the transition to carbon zero. Participants will gain insights into real-world examples of successful carbon-zero initiatives, examining both the opportunities and challenges.