Low Carbon Economy and Public Health in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Global warming is increasingly recognized as one of the most pressing public health threats of the 21st century. As climate risks escalate, societies worldwide face significant challenges in safeguarding public health amidst environmental uncertainties. In response, developed nations have committed to stringent carbon reduction targets, such as achieving carbon neutrality after reaching peak emissions. This global shift towards a low-carbon economy—characterized by reduced energy consumption, minimized pollution, and sustainable development—has been rapidly gaining momentum, further driven by advances in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Yet, the transition to a low-carbon economy is intricately linked to public health outcomes. It raises critical issues regarding how policies designed for environmental sustainability simultaneously influence health equity, disease prevention, and community resilience. In the post-pandemic context, balancing economic recovery with health protection has become paramount. Therefore, understanding how artificial intelligence can optimize this balance is crucial. This Research Topic invites interdisciplinary contributions aimed at uncovering the complex relationships between low-carbon economic strategies, artificial intelligence innovations, and public health improvements. We seek insights into how future policy and technological advancements can collectively promote healthier, more sustainable societies.

This Research Topic aims to explore the intersection of low-carbon economic strategies, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and public health outcomes. Specifically, it addresses critical gaps in understanding how AI-driven solutions can effectively facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy while simultaneously promoting public health and well-being. Contributors are encouraged to investigate multifaceted problems such as identifying effective policies and technologies that support low-carbon initiatives, examining the direct and indirect health implications of carbon reduction strategies, and exploring equitable health outcomes amidst environmental transformations. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives—including health economics, environmental studies, public health policy, and technological innovation—this topic seeks to generate evidence-based recommendations that can inform policymakers and stakeholders aiming to balance environmental sustainability, economic growth, and population health in an AI-empowered era.

We welcome contributions addressing (but not limited to) the following specific themes:
• Historical trends, current status, and future projections of low-carbon economy development, evaluated using AI-driven methods.
• Policy innovations and regulatory frameworks promoting low-carbon transitions and their impacts on public health.
• The role of artificial intelligence in optimizing energy consumption, resource management, and pollution reduction in key sectors such as transportation, construction, and energy.
• Empirical studies analyzing health outcomes resulting from low-carbon initiatives, including impacts on chronic diseases, respiratory health, and mental well-being.
• Investigations into factors affecting the equitable distribution of health benefits derived from low-carbon economic practices.
• AI-driven health surveillance systems designed to monitor and mitigate climate-related public health risks.
• Interdisciplinary assessments of low-carbon development effects on industries such as international trade, real estate, tourism, and their subsequent health implications.
• Community-based strategies enhancing public health resilience within low-carbon urban planning.