Net Zero Carbon Policy in the 21st Century: Conceptual Foundations, Global Governance Frameworks, Digital Emissions, and India’s Pathway to 2070

Abstract

The accelerating climate crisis presents an existential challenge, driven predominantly by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from energy, industrial, land-use, and digital infrastructures (IPCC, 2023; Jones, 2018). In response, Net Zero Carbon Policy has emerged as a central organizing principle in global climate governance, aiming to balance emissions with equivalent removals through natural or technological sinks (UNFCCC, 2021; Rogelj et al., 2021). This paper examines the conceptual foundations of net zero, distinguishing it from carbon neutrality and climate neutrality, emphasizing the necessity of direct emission reductions and integrating digital carbon footprints into policy frameworks (Belkhir & Elmeligi, 2018; Andrae & Edler, 2015). It further analyzes the evolution of global net zero policies, including the Paris Agreement, COP processes, and nationally determined contributions, with a specific focus on India’s 2070 net zero target and associated policy instruments such as renewable energy expansion, electric mobility, and green hydrogen initiatives (Sharma et al., 2022; Somanathan et al., 2022). Governance gaps, sectoral integration, and ethical considerations, including equity and climate justice, are critically assessed to highlight implementation challenges and opportunities. The study underscores that achieving credible net zero pathways requires holistic, multi-scalar approaches integrating scientific, technological, ethical, and socio-economic dimensions.