On September 6–7, 2025, the 2nd International Conference on Carbon Neutrality was successfully held in Shanghai. The conference was hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Chinese Society of Engineering Thermophysics, organized by the journal Carbon Neutrality (2024 Impact Factor: 12.5, Q1), co-organized by the University of Edinburgh. It is sponsored by the Asian Union of Thermal Science and Engineering (AUTSE), Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center, China-UK Low Carbon College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and School of Mechanical Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The conference drew a remarkable audience of 200 experts and scholars from more than ten countries, including the UK, Singapore, Australia, and Germany. The overwhelming enthusiasm was clear from the 170 submissions we received, showcasing the global community’s shared commitment to a greener future.

The conference began with an inspiring opening ceremony chaired by SJTU's Professor Changying Zhao. Distinguished speakers, including academicians Xinhe Bao and Hongguang Jin, set a compelling tone for the conference. Over the two-day event, attendees were fully immersed in a dynamic program featuring six plenary lectures, ten keynote speeches, and thirty-seven invited talks that covered cutting-edge topics from low-carbon energy to carbon finance. Esteemed experts like Peixue Jiang and Haisheng Chen delivered powerful keynote reports and equipped the audience with fresh insights and innovative perspectives.

The highlight of the conference was a vibrant roundtable forum that brought together editors from eight international journals, fostering a rich dialogue on the future of academic publishing in this field. The conference culminated in an awards ceremony that celebrated outstanding achievements, including the Highly Cited Paper Award, Outstanding Young Editorial Board Member Award, Best Presentation Award, and Excellent Young Scholar Award for Carbon Neutrality, which recognized those making a significant impact in this field.

Ultimately, the 2^nd International Conference on Carbon Neutrality was more than just a meeting; it was a catalyst for change. By creating a premier platform for academic exchange and collaboration, it showcased the latest global advancements and brought forth new vitality into our collective pursuit of a carbon-neutral world. SJTU is honoured to be at the heart of this vital mission, leading the way toward a sustainable future for all.