China’s adaptation governance in a world of carbon neutrality

Editorial: Governing the EU's climate and energy transition through the 2030 Framework

The study systematically evaluates the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), which aim to produce at least 40% of the demand for key technologies—including battery cells, electrolyzers, wind, and solar components – within the EU by 2030, thereby combining competitiveness, climate neutrality, and geopolitical resilience. Methodologically, the study combines (1) a coded policy analysis of 152 documents, (2) a panel and synthetic control model for 28 member states (2010–2030) to quantify investment and employment effects, and (3) 32 expert interviews and a case study on the battery value chain. The econometric results show a policy-induced potential for additional investment. At the same time, the analysis identifies three key implementation risks: fragmented aid practices, high regulatory transaction costs, and a lack of multi-level coordination. Whether NZIA and CID realize their potential depends less on the volume of funding than on process clarity and adaptive governance.

Forests play a critical role in combating climate change. It takes China from timber production to ecosystem rehabilitation and then to the future of carbon neutrality. Even though China’s forestry has made great achievements, there remain many problems with its sustainable management, especially the difficult balance between rural livelihood and forest conservation. Under these circumstances, the forest chief scheme was transformed from local trials to a national mechanism. This article seeks to analyze the origin and evolution of the “forest chief” scheme and the complexities and challenges related to China’s sustainable forestry development. Taking the risk governance framework, this study provides a systematic overview of the functioning of the “forest chiefs” element integral to sustainable governance. It offers innovative ways of top-down participation in the specific context by integrating the adaptive risk governance approach, thereby provoking critical thinking about sustainable forest governance.

Adaptation and Carbon Removal

This paper explores the synergistic relationship between technological paths and policy mechanisms in the process of achieving carbon neutrality. The article systematically reviews key emission reduction technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS), renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and evaluates the implementation effects of policy tools such as carbon pricing and green finance. Through case analysis of China's CCUS demonstration project and the EU carbon trading system, the article reveals the effectiveness and challenges of current carbon emission reduction practices, including high costs, insufficient policy coordination, and limited public acceptance. The study shows that although low-carbon technologies have great potential, their effective promotion still depends on coordinated policy support. This study provides empirical evidence for low-carbon transformation and puts forward strategic suggestions for policymakers in the coordinated promotion of technological innovation and institutional guarantees. It highlights the importance of aligning long-term policy planning with technological readiness. Moreover, stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration are identified as key factors for success. Future research should further explore adaptive governance models that can respond to dynamic climate and market conditions.