Net zero vs. carbon neutrality: supply chain management challenges and future research agenda

Abstract

Climate change endangers human survival, causing heat waves, floods, storms, polar ice loss, ocean acidification and rising sea levels. These effects harm the food supply and living environments and contribute to chronic diseases. Climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol set net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality targets. However, their definitions, differences and challenges need clarification. This paper reviews net zero and carbon neutrality initiatives in supply chain management. CiteSpace analysis of 61 articles on net zero and 44 on carbon neutrality highlights their differences, challenges, practices and research gaps. Net-zero emissions cover more greenhouse gases and emission stages, fitting supply chain management through life-cycle assessment. A life-cycle perspective and strategies like bio-based materials, optimised transportation and electric vehicles are recommended for effective mitigation. Finally, the paper identifies research gaps at global, country, industry and company levels, suggesting research questions for future exploration.

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