Global trends and challenges of achieving carbon neutrality

Abstract

The urgency of solving the problem of achieving global carbon neutrality is considered, the main factors that enhance the greenhouse effect are identified. By the end of the 20th century, awareness of environmental problems, pushed by large-scale natural disasters and, in general, climate change, led to the formation of a point of view based on environmentalism. A vivid manifestation of this was the formation of the concept of sustainable development within the framework of the UN and its active promotion around the world. The main problems of achieving carbon neutrality are formulated and considered, among which it is possible to distinguish: differences in the economic development of countries and their natural and climatic conditions, the absence of a single global concept of achieving carbon neutrality, and differences in the legislation of individual countries. It was found that within the framework of the emerging trend, an important trend is the formation by a group of countries of a policy aimed at reducing the "carbon footprint". The authors have considered some regulations aimed at various aspects of sustainable growth and energy efficiency, various tools for achieving carbon neutrality within the framework of EU legislation "Green Course". It was found that among the main trends of modern society in the field of achieving carbon neutrality, innovative and investment activities in the development of renewable energy sources, the transition to environmentally friendly transport, improving the energy efficiency of buildings and structures, the introduction of closed-loop technologies, increasing the capacity of forests, soils, wetlands and peatlands, oceans and reservoirs act as carbon sinks and accumulators, as well as the development of economic tools and mechanisms. It was also concluded that achieving carbon neutrality can contribute to improving the competitiveness of developed countries and worsening the economic development of developing countries