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Liu et al. Carbon Footprints 2024;3:20 Carbon Footprints
DOI: 10.20517/cf.2024.27

Perspective Open Access

Experiences and challenges in the development of

carbon footprinting in megacities - taking Shanghai
as an example

1
Hanbin Liu , Yirui Niu 2
1
Center for Environmental and Economic Research of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
2
Central University of Finance and Economics, Haidian District University, Beijing 100081, China.
Correspondence to: Dr. Hanbin Liu, Center for Environmental and Economic Research of Fudan University, Fudan University,
600 Guoquan Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200433, China. E-mail: hbliu14@fudan.edu.cn
How to cite this article: Liu H, Niu Y. Experiences and challenges in the development of carbon footprinting in megacities - taking
Shanghai as an example. Carbon Footprints 2024;3:20. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/cf.2024.27

Received: 21 Aug 2024 First Decision: 15 Oct 2024 Revised: 19 Nov 2024 Accepted: 9 Dec 2024 Published: 18 Dec 2024
Academic Editors: Kai Fang, Hui Wang Copy Editor: Fangling Lan Production Editor: Fangling Lan

Abstract
Using Shanghai as a case study, this article discusses the practices and methods of carbon footprint measurement
in megacities, analyzing its evolution and significance in supporting densely populated megacities worldwide to
achieve carbon neutrality. The study emphasizes thorough greenhouse gas emission accounting in high-density
urban areas characterized by intensive economic activity and population concentration. Globally, nations, including
China, are enhancing carbon management strategies by introducing new standards under the regulatory guidance
of organizations such as the National Development and Reform Commission. However, notable obstacles remain,
including the lack of a centralized database, insufficient product-specific approaches to managing emissions, and
the absence of standardized certification systems for labeling products based on their environmental impact. To
address these challenges, Shanghai is promoting a low-carbon transition across industries and encouraging the
city's green development by fostering a collaborative industrial framework. This includes the CN100 program,
which mobilizes leading companies to reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains and industrial processes.

Keywords: Carbon neutrality, megacities, carbon footprint

In recent years, to accelerate the progress toward the global carbon neutrality goal, countries have initiated
research and development in new energy technologies, industrial energy-saving upgrades, low-carbon

© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, for any purpose, even commercially, as
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