Low Carbon Transformation of Chinese Cities: Theoretical Evolution, Empirical Progress and Future Prospects
Main Article Content
Keywords
low carbon transformation of Chinese cities, theoretical evolution, empirical progress
Abstract
In the context of global warming, cities are the core source of carbon emissions, and promoting their low-carbon transformation is the key to China’s implementation of the “double carbon” goal. This paper aims to systematically sort out the frontier achievements of China’s urban low-carbon transformation, and build a comprehensive theoretical analysis framework. At the theoretical level, it traces the evolution of the concepts of decarbonization, LCD and LCT, clarifies the logical relationship, and integrates the theories of ecological modernization and sustainable development to lay the foundation for transformation. At the empirical level, this paper analyzes the suitability of IPCC, IOA and LCA carbon accounting methods and the index evaluation system, identifies that per capita income, energy structure, population size, industrial structure and green technology innovation are the main driving factors affecting carbon emissions, and summarizes the emission reduction effects of low-carbon city pilot, carbon trading market and other policy tools, revealing that the distribution pattern of carbon emissions is high in the East and low in the west, with significant spatial spillover effect, and that individual behavior plays an important role in low-carbon transformation. At the same time, this paper also points out that the current research still faces challenges such as insufficient theoretical localization, lack of micro mechanism mining, incomplete data system and poor policy adaptability, and puts forward corresponding future policy prospects, so as to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for promoting the development of low-carbon transformation in Chinese cities.
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