ABSTRACT
Net zero has become the new organizing principle of climate politics. Though the adoption of net zero targets has created optimism in the climate regime, there remain significant concerns that it is little more than a vague aspiration. Studies have focused on various net zero definitions, as well as the adoption and robustness of net zero goals. This paper builds on these works by conducting a systematic meta-review of scholarly research on net zero from 1991 to 2021. First, we find that the literature focuses on establishing pathways and creating policies, with much less research on target-setting and implementation. Second, most net zero scholarship focuses on the energy sector, including buildings, while hard to abate sectors are underexamined. Third, there is a disproportionate focus on creating policies for net zero buildings, which are relatively easy to measure and decarbonize compared to other sectors. Finally, there is a notable absence of work on the political factors that enable or constrain the implementation of net zero policies, as well as the efficacy of these policies. This indicates an urgent need for more research on the politics of net zero.