Carbon Neutrality: Human Well-being and Ecosystem Sustainability

Abstract

Carbon neutrality has emerged as a pivotal strategy in addressing the dual challenges of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. By balancing greenhouse gas emissions with removals, carbon neutrality directly contributes to the stabilization of global temperatures, thereby reducing climate-related risks for both human societies and natural ecosystems. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence on the multifaceted impacts of carbon neutrality, emphasizing its role in enhancing human well-being and promoting ecosystem resilience. For public health, the transition toward renewable energy and reduced fossil fuel dependency significantly lowers air pollution, preventing millions of premature deaths associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, limiting global warming mitigates heat-related illnesses, safeguards food and water security and curtails the spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. From an ecological perspective, carbon neutrality supports the conservation of forests, freshwater systems and marine environments by alleviating pressures from deforestation, ocean acidification and biodiversity loss. Moreover, it enhances the capacity of natural carbon sinks, such as grasslands and polar ecosystems, to sequester carbon and maintain ecological balance. Socioeconomically, carbon neutrality fosters green innovation, job creation and energy security, though challenges remain in ensuring a just transition for communities dependent on fossil fuel industries. Overall, the integration of carbon neutrality strategies presents a comprehensive pathway for achieving long-term human health benefits and ecological sustainability.