Innovative carbon emission monitoring in urban mobility: A case study of Beijing

China’s national goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 necessitate a comprehensive transition of Chinese cities from high-carbon to low- and zero-carbon development. The transportation sector, a crucial area for energy conservation and emission reduction, faces significant challenges in achieving carbon neutrality due to rapid urbanization and motorization, which are projected to increase total emissions. Accurate monitoring of carbon emissions is vital for managing these emissions and achieving the “dual carbon” goals. This study provides a detailed analysis of Beijing’s integrated carbon emission monitoring system for urban mobility. It examines the innovative technical framework, which combines top-down and bottom-up approaches, enabling real-time and precise emissions tracking. The findings reveal that the system significantly improves data accuracy, supports effective governance strategies, and offers practical recommendations for scalability and adoption by other cities. In addition, the study evaluates the policy effectiveness of Beijing’s initiatives, providing evidence of substantial progress toward reducing carbon emissions. The research highlights the potential for replicability of Beijing’s system worldwide in transforming urban carbon governance. By addressing challenges such as data integration and resource limitations, the study contributes a comprehensive framework that advances the field of urban mobility emissions monitoring. This approach highlights the necessity of digital transformation in achieving sustainable urban development while setting a benchmark for other cities aiming to align with global climate goals.