Experiences and challenges in the development of carbon footprinting in megacities - taking Shanghai as an example

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.