Carbon neutrality in high-altitude agricultural systems: Examples and insights from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, often referred to as the “Third Pole” and the “Asian Water Tower”, plays a pivotal role in global climate regulation due to its exceptional carbon sequestration capacity. Recent evidence indicates that terrestrial carbon sinks across the Plateau offset moat regional anthropocentric emissions (focused on CO2, CH4, N2O from local energy, livestock, and natural ecosystems), supporting the region’s progress toward a net-zero balance of direct GHG emissions—one of the earliest such trends observed in China. This paper explores the transition of the Plateau’s agricultural sector toward low-carbon development, emphasizing integrated approaches such as renewable energy adoption, circular agricultural models, grassland restoration, and emerging carbon market mechanisms. These strategies collectively enhance ecological resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the transition faces persistent challenges, including infrastructural deficiencies, technical limitations, and socioeconomic disparities that constrain large-scale implementation. Addressing these barriers requires targeted policy support, sustained technological innovation, and strengthened cross-regional cooperation. The Plateau’s experience demonstrates the potential for aligning ecological conservation with sustainable agricultural development in fragile high-altitude ecosystems. Moreover, it provides a replicable model for other regions seeking to achieve carbon neutrality under similar environmental constraints. By linking local adaptation with broader global mitigation goals, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau highlights the strategic importance of integrated low-carbon pathways in securing both ecological security and rural livelihoods.