Zhen Liu ^1* Jing Lan ^2* Wang Pei ² Jingchao Zhang ³

• ¹ Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
• ² Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
• ³ Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Tokyo, Japan

Corporate governance and financial mechanisms are instrumental in steering businesses toward sustainable practices. Several papers in this collection examine how corporate and financial sectors can contribute to carbon reduction and sustainability goals. Li and Liu (2024) Technological innovation and urbanization are powerful drivers of low-carbon transitions. Several articles in this collection focus on the role of technology and urbanization in promoting sustainable development. Khan and Khan (2024) Chai and Qiao (2024), in The Impact of Household Population Aging on Carbon Emissions: Micro-scale Evidence from China, examine how demographic shifts impact carbon emissions at the household level. The study finds that as populations age, carbon emissions tend to decrease due to changes in consumption patterns and lifestyle, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between population aging and carbon reduction. Several contributions emphasize the importance of regional cooperation and policy interventions in promoting green development.Yu and Zheng. ( 2024), in Efficiency of Green and Low-Carbon Coordinated Development for Mega Urban Agglomerations, focus on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, analyzing how coordinated regional policies can promote sustainable development. The study highlights that regional cooperation and policy integration are essential for achieving balanced and effective low-carbon development.In Collaborative Integration or Policy Diversification: The Influence of Policy Synergy on Regional Green Development, Chang and Wang (2024) explore how synergistic policy approaches-such as combining carbon trading and free trade zone policies-can enhance green development in urban areas. Their findings demonstrate that integrated policies amplify positive outcomes, fostering regional sustainability efforts. Tang et al. (2024), in Resources on carbon emissions reduction in China, analyze the role of natural resource accountability audits in enhancing green technological innovation and reducing emissions across China. Their findings underscore the importance of governance in driving sustainable resource management and achieving carbo n reduction targets. The role of public perception in influencing environmental policy and corporate behavior is explored in Sentiment Analysis of Global News on Environmental Issues by Bucur et al. (2024). Using sentiment analysis of global news articles, the authors find that public perception of environmental issues significantly influences both policy and corporate actions. Positive sentiment toward sustainability enhances stakeholder engagement and accelerates the lowcarbon transition. The 20 articles in this Research Topic provide a comprehensive overview of the driving forces and synergistic mechanisms that promote a low-carbon economy and sustainable development.From agriculture and corporate governance to technological innovation an d regional policy, this collection offers valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and researchers committed to achieving sustainability goals. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, these contributions emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and cross-sector collaboration. By integrating technological advancements, financial mechanisms, and public engagement, stakeholders can drive meaningful progress toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.We hope that this Research Topic serves as a valuable resource for future research, policy formulation, and practical implementation in the pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient global economy.