Foreword

Abstract

According to scientific data, climate change and environmental deterioration have become severe issues threatening human society and sustainability. In particular, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found carbon emissions from fossil fuels and industry to be the dominant cause of global warming and climate change, accounting for 64% of the global net anthropogenic GHG emissions. 1 Countries worldwide must thus consider achieving carbon neutrality, or zero-carbon targets, as a strategic policy option to ensure sustainable economic growth. In this context, the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) constituted an essential advancement in tackling concerns related to climate change risks and launching a net-zero carbon global economy. However, it is important to recognize that most countries still need to put more effort into accelerating the transition to clean energy in order to achieve carbon neutrality.While climate change severely affects the environment, economic activities, welfare, and society, it is undoubtedly not a monotonic phenomenon. The long-term variability of future climate change, as well as necessary commitments and strategic actions involving adaptation and mitigation measures, would typically depend on forecast scenarios and the international coordination framework. This special issue on "Risks, Welfare, and Social Preferences in the Context of Climate Variability: Theory and Empirical Evidence" brings valuable contributions to the related literature as it was aimed at featuring high-quality research papers assessing, not only at national and international levels but also at