Environmental resilience and carbon neutrality: a systematic and integrative review

Purpose This paper offers a systematic and integrative review of environmental resilience and carbon neutrality, critically analysing scientific contributions from 2013 to 2024. It aims to bridge theoretical insights and practical pathways, tackling the complexities of integrating resilience into policy and practice within the context of climate change. Design/methodology/approach A total of 63 peer-reviewed articles were systematically analysed using thematic synthesis. The review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Sy⁠s⁠tematic Revi⁠ews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure methodological rigour and transparency, integrating theoretical constructs such as panarchy and planetary boundaries to interpret system dynamics. Findings Four thematic clusters emerged: (1) environmental resilience and carbon neutrality as interconnected concepts; (2) environmental governance and intersectoral policy integration; (3) sustainable urban technologies and infrastructure; and (4) agricultural innovation for sustainability. Despite significant progress, gaps remain in the empirical validation of conceptual models, ethical considerations in technological adoption and the operationalisation of resilience frameworks across diverse socio-ecological contexts. Practical implications The study presents an integrative framework linking environmental resilience and carbon neutrality with governance and practice. It provides a roadmap for policymakers and practitioners to develop adaptive, evidence-based interventions, emphasising cross-sector collaboration and socio-ecological awareness. Originality/value This review provides an analytically robust synthesis, combining theoretical depth with critical engagement. It explains how existing knowledge can inform future research and practical strategies, while highlighting tensions between technological optimism and socio-political realities in achieving sustainable transitions.