The transition towards carbon neutrality: Land use policy, resource and energy management modes, and spatial planning options

Abstract

This editorial paper synthesises the findings from the special issue dedicated to exploring the pivotal roles of land use policy, energy management, and spatial planning in achieving carbon neutrality. The eleven papers featured in this issue present innovative approaches and empirical studies that highlight crucial strategies for mitigating carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development. The papers in this issue explore topics ranging from the impact of urban centre layout on household carbon emissions in Chinese cities to the feasibility of 15-minute cities in the United States, and from the non-linear effects of land conveyance on urban carbon emissions to the simulations of land use carbon neutrality scenarios. Collectively, these studies provide a comprehensive overview of the complex relationships between urban form, land use, resource management, and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the issue advances our understanding of the pathways towards carbon neutrality, emphasising innovative spatial policies, governance, and implementation instruments that foster environmental and social co-benefits.