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Guiding individuals to adopt pro-environmental behaviors is critical to achieving carbon neutrality goals. Public policy targeted at a small number of people may be amplified by interpersonal interaction, making peer effect a potentially useful tool for accelerating problem solving. However, previous studies have paid insufficient attention to the influence of peers on university students' energy-saving behaviors. This paper attempts to examine the effect using a large-scale survey dataset conducted on students from Xiamen University in China and the classical linear-in-means model. The result shows that peers' pro-environmental behaviors have positive effect on individuals. The heterogeneity of the influence and the potential mechanisms are also explored. This paper contributes to very important and still growing literature dealing with contagion processes in pro-environmental behaviors. The policy implication is that the government should make full use of the peer effect to maximize the benefits of energy-conservation campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the influential factors that promote and impede Chinese customers' adoption intention of electric vehicles (EVs). An extended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was developed to gauge customers' willingness to adopt EVs. 348 responses and structural equation modelling were employed for analysis. This paper contributes to this research area mainly through two aspects: First of all, it provides more robust evidence of the positive moderating effects on price value since few research studies on it. Secondly, the positive moderating effects of facilitating conditions between perceived risk and adoption intention of EVs were found for the first time, which fills the gap in this research area. Except these, the results also showed that performance expectations, social influence, and price value positively influence EV adoption intention, while perceived risk has a negative impact. Additionally, age and gender were found to significantly moderate adoption intention. These findings offer insights for policymakers to craft more effective policies, ultimately advancing sustainability and accelerating the achievement of long-term carbon neutrality goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, this paper critically assesses the potential distortions and efficacy of various revenue-neutral carbon emission trading schemes (ETSs) in China, through government subsidies and value-added tax (VAT) relief strategies aimed at achieving peak carbon emissions before 2030. The analysis reveals that reallocating market revenues to the production sector, either through government subsidies or VAT reductions, can feasibly attain carbon peaking before 2030, with minimal impact on GDP. Notably, both government subsidies and VAT cuts foster output growth in the oil, gas, and ETS-covered sectors. Moreover, directing carbon market revenue toward ETS-covered industries via VAT relief emerges as the most effective approach to reducing income disparities. In contrast, redistributing carbon market revenue to non-ETS-covered industries via VAT relief is found to be the least effective in promoting social equity. The study emphasizes that the reallocation of carbon market revenues to ETS-covered sectors is paramount. This strategy not only regulates the overall energy consumption effectively but also steers the nation towards a more sustainable and optimized energy consumption pattern. In light of these findings, this paper offers detailed insights and tailored policy recommendations, aiming to assist policymakers in striking a balance between environmental goals and economic and social imperatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon price prediction is of great importance to regulators and participants in the carbon trading market. It is the basis for developing policies related to the carbon trading market and stabilizing that market. Considering the numerous factors that influence carbon prices in China, dimensionality reduction is needed to improve the prediction accuracy and efficiency. However, the traditional dimensionality reduction methods fail to fully consider the role of influencing factors, which has certain limitations. In this paper, a new dimensionality reduction method, namely scaled principal component analysis (s-PCA), is employed to improve the prediction accuracy of carbon prices. Firstly, a factor library that influence carbon prices is constructed from three perspectives: technical indicators, financial indicators and commodities indicators. Then, the s-PCA method is used to reduce the dimensionality of factors influencing carbon price. Next, two different methods are used to predict carbon prices, including traditional regression method and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) method. Finally, the economic value of the s-PCA method is examined by constructing investment portfolios. The empirical results of the Hubei Emissions Exchange show that the s-PCA model outperforms other competing models both in- and out-of-sample. In addition, the LSTM model could improve the performance of the s-PCA model in carbon price prediction. From a market timing perspective, investors can achieve a greater return and a larger Sharpe ratio using the s-PCA method than using other comparative methods and buy-and-hold strategy. Therefore, the s-PCA method is effective and robust in predicting carbon price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Mountains north slope region constitutes a vital terrestrial ecosystem reserve within China. This study employs land use and land cover (LULC) data spanning from 1990 to 2020. Utilizing methodologies encompassing land use classification, transfer matrix analysis, and the application of the PLUS and InVEST models, this research endeavors to elucidate the spatial-temporal dynamics of land use patterns and associated carbon storage in the region. These analyses are conducted within the context of four prospective scenarios: Natural Development Priority, Arable Land Protection Priority, Ecological Protection Priority, and Urban Development Priority, all projected onto the landscape for 2030. Notably, our findings reveal a consistent decline in carbon storage across all four scenarios for 2030 compared to the baseline year 2020. This stark reality presents substantial challenges to achieving the region's targets of carbon peaking and eventual carbon neutrality. Furthermore, this paper meticulously delineates six key drivers contributing to this decline in carbon storage. In conclusion, it proffers nine strategic recommendations aimed at augmenting carbon storage, with an overarching objective of establishing a harmonized mechanism capable of balancing urban development, safeguarding cultivated land, fortifying ecological preservation, and enhancing carbon sequestration within the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon neutrality is the only way for green low-carbon development. Technological progress is an important starting point for improving energy efficiency. Through scientific and technological innovation, improving energy efficiency is a practical way to achieve the goal of carbon neutralization. Due to the limitation of data and index selection, there is no qualitative analysis of carbon neutrality in this paper. Compared with previous studies, the paper has the following contributions: Firstly, the energy efficiency score of China's provincial level is measured with the DEA method and it is found that the average energy efficiency score of the eastern region is the highest, followed by the western region, and finally the central region. The results also show that the energy efficiency is not in accordance with the economic growth. The regions with higher energy efficiency scores are not always economically developed because of huge energy consumption supporting the economic development. Secondly, the Tobit method is used to study the impact of the reverse technology spillover effect of OFDI on China's energy efficiency. The results show that the spillover effect has a significant positive effect on the improvement of China's energy efficiency, and has a positive impact on the eastern and western regions, but has no significant impact on the western region. Finally, we put forward some policy recommendations to increase energy efficiency to approach carbon neutrality and thus promote green economic development. This paper enriches the content of energy economy, the research method is innovative, and the conclusion is more scientific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote sustainable economic development in the Belt and Road region of China, reducing carbon emissions is essential. The construction industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions in China. Therefore, studying the dynamic evolution of carbon emissions from the construction industry in this region and its driving factors is of great significance for effectively controlling emissions and achieving China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets. This paper first employs the Slope model, Moran’s I index, and standard deviation ellipse to reveal the spatial-temporal characteristics of carbon emissions from the construction industry, and then applies the geographical detector model to identify the main driving factors of carbon emissions. The results indicate that: (1) From 2006 to 2021, the total carbon emissions showed a fluctuating growth trend, and there were significant differences in emissions among different regions. (2) Carbon emissions in most provinces exhibited a moderate growth trend, and there was significant spatial correlation and aggregation of inter-provincial emissions. Regional carbon emissions from 2006 to 2021 showed a spatial distribution pattern from northeast to southwest, with a weakening trend, and the center of gravity mainly distributed in the east of the region. (3) Labor input, urbanization rate, total output value of the construction industry, degree of opening up, and energy intensity are the main factors influencing the spatial heterogeneity of carbon emissions from the construction industry, and the majority of the interaction types between factors were bivariate enhancement. This study aims to provide theoretical support for policymakers to formulate appropriate policies for building energy conservation and emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Dual Carbon" initiative is a two-stage carbon reduction goal proposed by China, with significant implications for global climate change mitigation. This article examines the impact of the "Dual Carbon" strategy on China's forestry development and explores how to leverage this strategy to facilitate the transformation and advancement of the forestry sector. Current review indicated that forestry has the advantage of achieving higher emission reduction targets at a low cost. Starting with an overview of the "Dual Carbon" strategy, this paper analyzes the carbon sequestration potential of plants and soil, and the challenges and opportunities faced by forestry development under this framework. Furthermore, we outline implementation pathways for forestry development, aiming to provide insights for the progress of China's forestry sector. Overall, it should be noted that the priority is to vigorously develop timber resources, and we also need to vigorously develop and protect forestry talent with the support of China's policies. By trapping into the carbon storage capabilities and leveraging carbon trading mechanisms of forests, a favorable ecological environment can be created, thus achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Highlights: • Forest development and its carbon sinks, attributed to plant and soil have the potential in carbon sequestration process, thus helping China achieve carbon neutrality. • The supply of forest products and the balance of economic growth and environmental protection are the key difficulties under the "Dual Carbon" strategy. • Trading forest carbon sinks can boost China's sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is transitioning into the digital economy era. The advancement of the digital economy could offer a fresh mechanism to attain carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives. Applications of the digital economy, such as smart energy management, intelligent transport systems, and digital agricultural technologies, have significantly reduced carbon emissions by optimizing resource use, reducing energy waste, and improving production efficiency. This research does so by devising a theoretical model that looks into the multi-faceted power of the digital economy under a two-sector paradigm. Utilising a panel model, a mediation effect model and a spatial Durbin model to assess the digital economy's power on carbon emissions. This research has determined that the digital economy can significantly diminish carbon emissions, with green tech innovations and industrial transformation being key contributors. The spatial spillover effect was used for the digital economy to aid in lowering carbon emissions in adjacent districts and upgrading better environmental stewardship. The influence of the digital economy has better performance in lowering carbon emissions in mid-western China than in the eastern area. This paper deepens understanding of the drivers of low-carbon growth and the significance, mechanism and regional disparities of the digital economy's effect on reducing carbon emissions. It offers valuable policy insights and guidance for globally achieving digital economy growth, reducing carbon emissions and reaching carbon peak and neutrality goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global climate change becomes increasingly severe, energy technology innovation has become a key means of coping with the climate crisis and realizing green and low-carbon development. However, existing literature rarely examines the effects of carbon emission reduction policies based on the perspective of energy technology progress for both short-term economic fluctuations and long-term equilibrium. This paper introduces the fossil energy technology sector and the renewable energy technology sector into the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, and compares the effectiveness of the carbon emission cap policy, the fossil energy technology subsidy policy, and the renewable energy technology subsidy policy under the framework of China's carbon trading market in promoting macroeconomic growth and controlling pollutant emissions. We found that in long-term, the emission reduction effect of the carbon emission cap policy falls short of the other two policies, and subsidizing fossil fuel technologies is more cost-efficient comparatively. The government expenditure shock can all stimulate macroeconomic growth with crowding out of private investment and household consumption, whereas the energy technology research productivity shock leads to a decline in total output and an increase in renewable energy technology demand. In addition, pollutant emissions are pro-cyclical under the impact of total carbon policies and counter-cyclical under the impact of energy technology subsidy policies. This article constructs a multi-technology sectoral dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model, expanding the research perspective and theoretical framework for evaluating carbon emission reduction policies. At the same time, it proves the importance of the government to implement the phased energy technology subsidy policy while implementing the carbon emission cap policy, which provides important enlightenment for the implementation and adjustment of carbon emission reduction policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the characteristics of the carbon emission of an industrial wastewater treatment plant (IWWTP) and a domestic WWTP (DWWTP) located in a high-tech industrial park of Shaanxi Province, China. The results showed that the total carbon emissions of the IWWTP and DWWTP were 10.13 kg/t and 1.84 kg/t in 2020, respectively. Indirect carbon emissions play a dominant role in the total carbon emission of the IWWTP, which accounts for about 97.6% of the total amount. The direct carbon emissions of greenhouse gases (e.g., CH4, N2O) account for about 62% of the total carbon emissions in the DWWTP, followed by the indirect carbon emissions generated by electricity consumption (31.06%) and chemical consumption (6.94%). Additionally, the centralized recycling and re-utilization of the wastewater could achieve 1.06 kg/t and 1.16 kg/t of carbon emission reduction in the IWWTP and DWWTP, respectively, while the carbon emissions of the DWWTP are inversely proportional to the treatment capacity. Therefore, it is of great value to collect and utilize intensively the recycled water to achieve the goal of regional carbon emission reduction and carbon neutralization of WWTPs in industrial parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies do not provide a consensus on whether digital technology innovation can reduce enterprise carbon intensity despite the rise of the digital economy. This paper examines the role and influence pathway of digital technology innovation on enterprise carbon intensity using data from A-share listed enterprises in China's manufacturing industry from 2012 to 2021. The findings indicate that (1) digital technology innovation has been found to significantly reduce enterprise carbon intensity, as confirmed by numerous robustness and endogeneity tests. However, its inhibitory effect on carbon intensity shows a marginal decreasing trend. (2) In the heterogeneity analysis, it was found that digital technology innovation significantly reduces the carbon intensity of consuming coal, coke, kerosene, and diesel. From various perspectives, including enterprise, industry, and external environment, there are significant differences in the carbon reduction effects of digital technology innovation. (3) The analysis of impact paths reveals that digital technology innovation can affect enterprise carbon intensity through three paths: improving productivity, enhancing green innovation efficiency, and adjusting energy consumption. (4) Upon further analysis, it was discovered that the spillover effect of digital technology innovation is more pronounced in the industry cohort of enterprises. Additionally, digital technology innovation plays a positive role in enhancing enterprise ESG performance. The paper's findings offer empirical evidence and decision-making references for the government to develop reasonable policies for reducing carbon emissions, promoting green and low-carbon enterprise transformation, and actively and steadily achieving the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the challenge posed by global warming, accurately estimating and managing carbon emissions becomes a key step for businesses, especially power generation companies, to reduce their environmental impact. Optuna–LightGBM–XGBoost, a novel power and carbon emission relationship model that aims to improve the efficiency of carbon emission monitoring and estimation for power generation companies, is proposed in this paper. Deeply exploring the intrinsic link between power production data and carbon emissions, this model paves a new path for "measuring carbon through electricity", in contrast to the emission factor method commonly used in China. Unit data from power generation companies are processed into structured tabular data, and a parallel processing framework is constructed with LightGBM and XGBoost, and optimized with the Optuna algorithm. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) is used to fuse features to enhance prediction accuracy by capturing characters that the individual models cannot detect. Simulation results show that Optuna–LightGBM–XGBoost can achieve better performance compared to existing methods. The mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R2) of the model are 0.652, 0.939, 0.136, and 0.994, respectively. This not only helps governments and enterprises to develop more scientific and reasonable emission reduction strategies and policies, but also lays a solid foundation for achieving global carbon neutrality goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the goals of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality", this paper puts forward the connotation and measurement method for the carbon emission intensity of urban industrial land and conducts an empirical study with the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as an example. We defined the carbon intensity of urban industrial land as the industrial carbon emissions per unit area of land, which is a spatial mapping of urban industrial economic development and carbon spillover and a key indicator for urban and territorial spatial planning oriented towards the "dual carbon" goal. Findings: The carbon emission density of industrial land in the YREB varied greatly between cities and exhibited significant positive spatial autocorrelation. In addition, the geographical pattern and spatio-temporal evolution model of the urban industrial land carbon emission density had a very complex driving mechanism, and different factors had significant synergistic effects. Therefore, it is suggested that while striving towards the goal of "dual carbon", the government should incorporate the carbon emission density indicator of urban industrial land into the urban and territorial spatial planning system, and based on the threshold of the medium suitable density, they should design differentiated management policies according to concrete urban policies and encourage cooperation among cities to jointly promote carbon emission management of urban industrial land. In policy design, emphasis should also be placed on highlighting the interactive effects of foreign direct investment, fiscal expenditure, and the number of patent authorizations as well as constructing a combination of policies centered around them to better leverage the impacts of globalization, government intervention, and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a world-class urban agglomeration, the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration is significant for China's carbon neutrality strategy when calculating the carbon budget and dividing carbon compensation zones. This paper focused on 129 county-level cities in the core area of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, calculating the carbon budget for 2000–2020 using night-time light data and analyzing the evolution of spatiotemporal patterns. On this basis, a carbon compensation zoning model was constructed using the K-means algorithm; 129 cities were divided into different carbon compensation zones after combining this model with the main functional zones. The results showed that (1) the carbon emissions increased, with overall stabilization after 2012. The distribution of high carbon emission areas evolved from a "core-periphery" pattern into a "Z-shaped" pattern. Ecological carbon sinks showed a continuous decline, with the southern sinks performing better than the northern ones. (2) The carbon budget of the study area showed a deficit, gradually widening and exhibiting an unbalanced spatial distribution characterized by a "high in the south and low in the north" pattern. (3) Eleven types of carbon compensation zones were designated after overlaying the main functional zones. Low-carbon development suggestions were proposed for each zone type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the backdrop of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" goals in China, the park-level integrated energy system is a significant approach to meeting the energy consumption demand of users and improving the utilization rate of new energy. To take into account both the interests of integrated energy services (IES) providers and the current power market rules in China, targeting at low-carbon energy consumption, a balancing service mode for integrated energy services providers is created herein based on the idea of balancing multiple interests of regional integrated energy services providers. It aims to break down the market barriers and address the tricky problem that the integrated energy services industry fails to establish a sophisticated industrial system under the original mode. Combining the integrated energy services with the auxiliary market of power balance, the paper analyzes the characteristics of energy flow within the system, and puts forward the optimization scheme of regional integrated energy balancing services under the low-carbon background. The objective is solved by Mayfly algorithm and compared for analysis, and the results show that the optimal daily operating cost is 2632.59 yuan and the daily carbon emission is 3869.90 kg under the typical industrial scenario. The examples provided here show that the optimization plan for integrated energy balancing services can reduce carbon emissions from the park-level integrated energy system and boost the revenue for integrated energy service providers. It provides theoretical support for the green transformation of energy enterprises and promotes the healthy development of the global integrated energy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public institutions, emblematic of public infrastructure, exhibit extensive reach and operational scope, positioning them as vanguards in China's dual carbon initiatives and serving as exemplars. Electricity and natural gas predominantly fuel the operations of public institutions. Notably, the fixed commute routes and consistent procurement patterns of office personnel yield a standardized energy consumption profile within these entities. Researching carbon emissions related to commuting and evaluating procurement strategies for reducing carbon footprints in public institutions demonstrate a precision-tailored approach. This paper, through an analysis of the energy consumption characteristics, utilization structure of public institutions, and the commuting behaviors and procurement practices of office personnel, establishes a bespoke carbon accounting model specifically designed for public institutions, seamlessly embedded within a comprehensive platform. By providing fundamental methodological frameworks and advanced technological foundations for carbon accounting in public institutions across China, this work propels the nation's efforts towards carbon peak and ultimately carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening the synergistic management of carbon and haze is an important means to realize China's "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals" and green development. In this paper, the entropy method is used to measure the key core technology innovation level of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021, and the fixed-effect model is used to empirically test the impact of key core technology innovation on carbon haze synergistic governance and the internal mechanism. The study found that (1) key core technological innovation helps to promote carbon haze synergistic governance. (2) The mechanism test shows that key core technology innovation promotes the synergistic management of carbon haze by improving the clean energy structure. (3) The moderating effect shows that both market incentives and government environmental regulations will strengthen the positive relationship between key core technology innovation and carbon haze synergistic governance. The main contribution of this paper is to reveal the influence mechanism of key core technology innovation on carbon haze synergistic governance, and also to provide theoretical basis for the mechanism and law of carbon haze synergistic governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a significant share of renewable power generation integrated into the power supply, it is crucial to timely adjust the regulating peak load for coal-fired power plants equipped with CO2 capture to ensure the stable operation of the multi-energy supply system. In this paper, the effects of varying boiler loads on the techno-economic performance of the retrofitted power plant were studied. Furthermore, the potential for reducing the cost of CO2 capture was investigated, and early opportunities for demonstration were discussed. Results showed that when the boiler load decreased from 100% turbine heat acceptance condition to 50% turbine heat acceptance condition, the cost of CO2 capture increased from 37.0 $/t CO2 to 57.0 $/t CO2, cost contribution of energy penalty and extra capital investment also increased from 20.6 $/t-CO2 to 25.7 $/t-CO2, and from 16.4 $/t-CO2 to 31.3 $/t-CO2, respectively. Furthermore, by improving separation efficiency from 0.15 to 0.5, a 25% to 30% reduction in CO2 capture cost can be achieved. The cost of CO2 capture could decrease by 42.2–50.5% when the cumulative capacity reaches 250 GW under the high investment learning rate scenario. According to the distribution of coal prices and renewable energy sources in China, the early demonstration projects of multi-energy supply systems should prioritize the northern region. The results of this work can provide informative references for making roadmaps and policies for CO2 emission reduction toward carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive economic and human activities present challenges to the carbon storage capacity of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in arid regions that are sensitive to climate change and ecologically fragile. Therefore, accurately estimating and simulating future changes in carbon stocks on the northern slope economic belt of Tianshan Mountains (NSEBTM) holds great significance for maintaining ecosystem stability, achieving high-quality development of the economic belt, and realizing the goal of "carbon neutrality" by 2050. This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the NSEBTM carbon stocks in arid regions from 1990 to 2050, utilizing a combination of multi-source data and integrating the Patch-generating Land use Simulation (PLUS) and Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) models. Additionally, an attribution analysis of carbon stock changes is conducted by leveraging land use data. The findings demonstrate that (1) the NSEBTM predominantly consists of underutilized land, accounting for more than 60% of the total land area in the NSEBTM. Unused land, grassland, and water bodies exhibit a declining trend over time, while other forms of land use demonstrate an increasing trend. (2) Grassland serves as the primary reservoir for carbon storage in the NSEBTM, with grassland degradation being the leading cause of carbon loss amounting to 102.35 t over the past three decades. (3) Under the ecological conservation scenario for 2050 compared to the natural development scenario, there was a net increase in carbon storage by 12.34 t; however, under the economic development scenario compared to the natural development scenario, there was a decrease in carbon storage by 25.88 t. By quantitatively evaluating the land use change in the NSEBTM and its impact on carbon storage in the past and projected for the next 30 years, this paper provides scientific references and precise data support for the territorial and spatial decision making of the NSEBTM, thereby facilitating the achievement of "carbon neutrality" goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With breakthroughs in big data, communication networks, artificial intelligence, and other next-generation information technologies, intelligent production methods and digital lifestyles have risen rapidly. Digital economy has become a significant force in promoting regional low-carbon development as a new economic form in the important period of the intersection of digitalization and "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals." This paper empirically explores the moderating role and threshold role of human capital in digital economy and regional carbon productivity by systematically measuring digital economy indicators. Research shows that China's digital economy development index is rising annually. However, the development of digital economy varies significantly between different regions. The results of moderating effect showed that human capital accumulation could dramatically strengthen the role of digital economy in promoting regional carbon productivity. The results of the threshold effect showed that human capital plays an important threshold role in the relationship between digital economy and regional carbon productivity. This paper provides a practical reference for exploring power sources, policy design, and path selection of low-carbon development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the relationship between carbon neutrality initiatives and its economic impact is crucial in evaluating the cost of low-carbon transition for policy makers. In this paper, a theoretical model is built to discuss the effects of the low-carbon pilot policy in China on urban economic resilience and an empirical test is conducted to examine the relationship using the Heckman two stage model and a panel data of 277 cities from 2004 to 2020. The results show that low-carbon pilot policy significantly enhanced urban economic resilience and the stimulating effect is mainly achieved by motivating technology innovations. In addition, further analysis indicates that low-carbon pilot policy has a more pronounced effect on improving urban economic resilience of cities in the central and western regions than eastern regions. The effect is also more prominent in non-first-tier cities than first-tier cities. The results are robust to placebo test, the Propensity Score Matching Difference-in-Difference test and the test for alternative measure of urban economic resilience. The findings show that the low-carbon pilot policy is consistent with the goal of improving urban economic resilience and technology innovation is the essential pillar of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, excessive emissions of carbon dioxide have further intensified global warming, which poses a great threat to human society. The best way to reverse this situation is to take action to equalize the "carbon emissions" with the "carbon absorption," i.e., carbon neutrality (CN). To better understand the evolution and display a broad panorama of CN research, this paper provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications in the field of CN from 2006 to 2021. We use the Web of Science Core Collection as the data source, and a total of 633 publications have been retrieved. In the paper, we measure the productivity and influence of publications through recognized bibliometric metrics, and visually analyze publications using VOS Viewer and CiteSpace. The analysis results show that China is the most productive country/region. The study illustrates that in order to reach the goal of CN, it is necessary to reduce carbon emissions such as full using renewable energy. Simultaneously, it is also essential to enhance the "negative emissions" of carbon such as taking advantage of carbon sink and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This paper provides some references for scholars who are interested or research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the "peak carbon dioxide emissions" and "carbon neutrality" strategic goals, how green finance can prompt private enterprises to achieve green upgrading has become an important issue to be solved. This paper empirically examines the effect mechanism of green credit policy on private enterprises' green innovation by using the difference-in-differences model based on the manually collected green patent data and matching financial data of Chinese listed private enterprises from 2009 to 2019. It is found that the implementation of green credit policy has a significant negative impact on the quality of green innovation of heavy-polluting private firms relative to non-heavy-polluting private firms, and this conclusion is still valid after replacing the explanatory variables, expanding the sample range, changing the model setting, and excluding the interference of other policies during the sample period. The results of the mechanism suggest that green credit policy negatively affects the quality of green innovation of heavy-polluting private firms by limiting their access to financing for loans and the capital market. Further study finds that commercial banks can reduce their non-performing loan ratio and increase their revenue growth rate by extending green credit funds to improve their business performance. It provides insights for better implementation of green credit policy and promotion of green economy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbon pilot policies are an important way to achieve the goal of "peak carbon neutrality" and are of great significance to China's international commitments. Based on a sample of 282 prefecture-level cities from 2006 to 2020, this paper investigates the impact of low-carbon pilot policies on urban carbon efficiency using a quasi-natural experiment with three batches of low-carbon pilot cities in 2010, 2012, and 2017, respectively. It is found that: (1) low-carbon pilot cities can improve urban carbon emission efficiency, which is still valid after a series of robustness tests such as the parallel trend test, placebo test, PSM-DID, and counterfactual test; (2) low-carbon pilot cities can enhance urban carbon emission efficiency by promoting the level of urban innovation and advanced urban industrial structure; and (3) the impact of low-carbon pilot policies on urban carbon emission efficiency is heterogeneous across cities with different geographical locations, population sizes, and resource endowment types. The findings provide policy insights for the promotion of low-carbon pilot policies and strengthening the construction of low-carbon pilot cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both "dual cycle" and "carbon neutral" policies have been implemented as national strategies in China. But will "dual cycle" policy help carbon neutral policy and how do "dual cycle" policy affect carbon neutral policy? This paper investigates whether unbalanced bidirectional foreign direct investment (FDI) hinders electricity efficiency. To do so, it uses the super slack-based version of the global Malmquist–Luenberger index to measure electricity efficiency in 30 provinces from 2001 to 2020. This paper uses panel threshold regression model, finds out that bidirectional FDI below 1.7174 will positively impact electricity efficiency, but the positive effects disappear when bidirectional FDI exceeds 1.7174. Thus, balanced bidirectional FDI in province is required to enhance electricity efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of the green belt and road is an inevitable choice to conform to and lead the green and low-carbon cycle development and an inherent requirement for sustainable development. Therefore, we establish an evaluation system of green development oriented to carbon neutrality, and calculate the green development level (GDL) of the provinces along the belt and road in China from 2003 to 2018 by using a three-dimensional evaluation model. In addition, this paper employs the Obstacle Degree Model to identify the main obstacle factors that affect GDL, and provides targeted and differentiated countermeasures and suggestions for improving the regional GDL. Our results suggested that the overall GDL has improved, but not obvious, with a low level. The GDL and coordination degree between different regions exist certain differences, and its spatial pattern is characterized by "high in southeast and northeast, low in southwest and northwest". From a regional perspective, innovation capacity is the key factor that affects the green development of the region in southeast, northeast, northwest and southwest China. Driving economic green transformation and promoting industrial energy conservation and emission reduction through technological innovation are the internal driving forces to achieve regional green sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current Chinese electricity market and carbon market are built relatively independently, without coupling and synergy, and the incoherence between the two markets is beginning to emerge. Carbon emissions costs in the carbon trading market will affect the marginal cost of renewable energy and thermal power in the electricity market, limiting market participants' profitability. In order to simulate and evaluate the changes of LCOE of renewable energy and thermal power in the "electricity-carbon" market environment, this paper presents the calculation method of carbon emission cost of thermal power and CCER benefit of renewable energy based on the relevant regulations in China, and calculates the carbon emission cost transmission rate of thermal power based on Cournot model. In addition, we proposed a method for calculating the LCOE based on the international common calculation method for LCOE, combined with China's taxation policy and the cost and benefit factors of renewable energy and thermal power in the carbon market, and proposed a method for calculating the LCOE applicable to the "electricity-carbon" market environment in China. The findings indicate that as a result of the influence of the carbon market, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) cost of thermal power will increase, and the profitability of thermal power in the electricity market will be further reduced. On the other hand, the LCOE cost of renewable energy will further decrease, and its profitability will improve due to the additional CCER benefits in the carbon market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green residences have enormous potential for energy savings, emission reduction, and other comprehensive benefits, and their growth is crucial to achieving China's carbon neutrality and carbon peaking targets. Nevertheless, at the moment, the national green residence is impacted by complicated factors at several levels, including government agencies, green residence builders, and green residence consumers, which results in the low-quality development of domestic green residences overall. As of 2020, 94% of all labeled green residences are design-label residences that can only be achieved during the design stage, while less than 10% are operational-label residences with stronger energy and emission-saving benefits. This causes the phenomenon of "green residences on the planning" to be serious. In order to accomplish the promotion of high-quality development of green residences and to promote green residences in China, this paper analyzes the influencing factors of green residence promotion from the multi-level perspective of macro-landscape signals, meso-collective agent green residences, and micro-individual agent consumers, based on the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework of sustainability theory. The paper subsequently builds a simulation model of green residence promotion using the agent-based system dynamics modeling method. Additionally, Jiangsu Province's green residence promotion data are chosen for analogue simulation experiments, and the simulation results are also used to analyze the success conditions as well as the path to green residence promotion. This study demonstrates that (1) the agent-based simulation model of dynamics for the green residence promotion system has high reference value for the simulation of the promotion of green residences, and the model can clearly simulate the impact of micro-individual agent–consumer factors on the promotion of green residences; (2) in order to promote green residences, exterior landscape signals must be continuously improved; the stronger the landscape signals, the quicker the development of operationally labeled green residences; (3) priority is given to the development of two-star design-labeled green residences before 2035, and three-star operationally labeled residences will occupy the majority of the market after 2040. Meanwhile, the duration of landscape signals and the change in behavioral preferences of individual agents must be maintained for a long time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proposal of the carbon neutrality target, China's attention to carbon emissions has been further enhanced. Effective prediction of future carbon emissions is important for the formulation of carbon neutralization target and action plans in the region. Many factors affecting carbon emissions, cause their development trends may be nonlinear. To forecast the carbon emissions of coal and natural gas in the industrial sector more accurately, a new MGM(1,m,N|γ) model considering nonlinear characteristics is proposed in this paper. The new model introduces power function γ as nonlinear parameter, and the γ value is solved by nonlinear constraint function. We further deduce the simulation and prediction formula and then apply the improved model to the carbon emission forecast. The comparisons show that the nonlinear parameters can modify the trend of sequences and improve the prediction accuracy, which verifies the validity of the model. Finally, according to the influencing factors and forecast results, this paper analyzes the causes of high carbon emissions and puts forward reasonable suggestions for China's carbon governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the secrets for China's economic growth miracle is continuous investment in infrastructure, and the role of power infrastructure is irreplaceable. However, previous studies mostly focused on generation-side indicators rather than grid-side indicators, ignoring the importance of the mega-grid established in China. As a result, this paper is committed to exploring the economic growth pulling effect of power grids with different voltage levels in the nonlinear framework. On the premise of determining the robustness of estimation parameters by instrumental variable method, the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model is used to capture panel heterogeneity. To be exact, the regional economic growth driven by extra-high voltage (EHV) and ultra-high voltage (UHV) power grids presents a regime transition accompanied by the growth of regional power generation and electricity consumption per capita. This means that the mega-grid is more conducive to the economic growth of energy bases and load centers. To further build and improve the state-leveled mega-grid into a nationwide basic platform for trans-regional renewable energy transmission and distribution is a key measure to enhance China's sustainable economic growth under the constraints of carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper constructs a unique dataset of clean energy and collects firm-level green innovation data that matches it with provinces and cities. Then, this paper executes quasi-natural experiments on green innovation to examine the effects of China's emission trading policy on green innovation. Further, this paper introduces the interactive terms of the pilot time and pilot area dummy variables into the spatial Durbin model (SDM) and spatial dynamic panel model (SDPM) to construct quasi-natural experiments to examine the spatial effect. The findings confirm a negative association between the 'policy treatment effect' and green innovation. The results also indicate a significant negative association between the emissions trading policy and clean energy. Besides, the empirical results reveal a positive correlation between clean energy and green innovation; clean energy promotes green innovation in the region and the surrounding areas. This paper complements existing research and provides empirical evidence and policy implications for developing clean energy, promoting green innovation, and improving the emission trading policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China needs to achieve its carbon peaking target with minimal economic costs. This paper proposes a framework for achieving the carbon peaking target that emphasizes economic effects. Based on the prediction, the parametric directional distance function (DDF) is adopted to calculate the total factor carbon emission efficiency and marginal carbon abatement cost in each region of China before 2030, and the allocation scheme of the abatement tasks necessary for carbon peaking is optimized from the perspective of least cost. The empirical results show the following: (1) The predicted rapid growth of China's economy from 2020 to 2030 will lead to a rapid increase in marginal abatement costs, with the average marginal carbon abatement cost increasing from 8,833 yuan/ton to 15,077 yuan/ton. The cost of carbon emission reduction in the future is very expensive. (2) The measured marginal abatement costs in China are positively correlated with carbon emission efficiency. In order to ensure economic development, developed regions should try to maintain the development trend, while the central and western regions take on more emission reduction tasks. (3) The emission efficiency is improved by optimizing the allocation scheme of the abatement tasks required to reach the peak, and the scientific and orderly path to reach the peak of each province and the corresponding lowest economic cost are obtained. This paper are of great theoretical and practical significance for the initial quota allocation in carbon trading market and ensuring the achievement of carbon peaking target under economic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a raw material for clean energy supply for the new generation, the soybean is conducive to the realization of global energy transition and sustainable development in the context of "carbon neutrality". However, global warming has been affecting soybean yields in recent years. How to clarify the correlation between meteorological factors and soybean yields, so as to ensure the security of soybean growth and development and the stability of renewable energy development, is a key concern of the government and academia. Based on the data of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration and active accumulated temperature during the soybean growing season in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 1951 to 2019, and soybean yield data of the city from 1985 to 2019, this paper adopted statistical methods such as the Trend Analysis Method, the Rescaled Range Analysis Method and so on to analyze the trends of yield changes, characteristics of abrupt changes and periodic patterns of climate factors and soybean yields in Hulunbuir. A Pearson Correlation Analysis and a Grey Relation Analysis were used to explore the correlation between climatic factors and soybean yields, followed by a comprehensive impact model of the combined effect of temperature and precipitation on soybean yields established by the Method of Integral Regression. The results showed that temperature and active accumulated temperature are the dominant factors affecting soybean yields in Hulunbuir, while the decrease in precipitation is unfavorable to the improvement of soybean yields. Meanwhile, temperature and precipitation have different effects on the growth and development of the soybean at different stages. The conclusion of this paper is of great practical significance for Hulunbuir to promote the sustainable development of clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on panel data from 30 provinces from 2001 to 2018 in China, this paper explores the effects and mechanisms of green urbanization on the forestry green total factor productivity (FGTFP) in the context of carbon neutral strategy using a two-way fixed effects model and instrumental variables. The results show that: Firstly, as a sector with ecological and economic benefits, ignoring carbon sink output tends to make FGTFP overestimated. Secondly, green urbanization has a significant positive contribution effect on FGTFP, and this finding still holds after a series of robustness tests including instrumental variables. Thirdly, green urbanization can indirectly promote FGTFP by stimulating the integration of forestry and tourism and strengthening environmental regulations. Fourthly, there is regional heterogeneity in the impact of green urbanization on FGTFP, i.e., the promotion effect of green urbanization on FGTFP is more significant in non-state forest areas compared with state-owned forest areas. Based on the above conclusions, the following countermeasures are proposed: firstly, attaching importance to green urbanization and strengthening environmental constraints; secondly, relying on green urbanization to drive the integration of forestry and tourism; thirdly, actively promoting the construction of green urbanization and green development of forestry in non-state forest areas, while vigorously developing the carbon sink economy to crack the transformation dilemma of backward state forest areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of globalization has separated the production and consumption of products spatially, and the international trade of products has become a carrier of embodied carbon trade. This paper adopted the perspective of value-added trade to calculate the amount of embodied carbon trade of China from 2006 to 2015 and perform a structural decomposition analysis of the changes in China's embodied carbon trade. This study found that: (1) China's embodied carbon exports are much larger than its embodied carbon imports, and there are differences between countries. China imported the largest amount of embodied carbon from South Korea, and it exported the largest amount of embodied carbon to the United States. (2) The structural decomposition analysis shows that changes in the value-added carbon emission coefficient during the study period would have caused China's embodied carbon trade to decrease, and changes in value-added trade would have caused China's embodied carbon trade to increase. Therefore, countries trading with China need to strengthen their cooperation with China in energy conservation, emission reduction, and product trade. In order to accurately reflect China's embodied carbon trade, it is necessary to calculate embodied carbon trade from the perspective of value-added trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global shipping industry experiences rapid expansion, the imperative to address greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact becomes increasingly paramount. Hydrogen has emerged as a pivotal and eco-friendly energy source, offering a pathway towards carbon neutrality and a complete zero-carbon transition in maritime operations. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered ships hinges on the establishment of robust regulations and technical standards. This paper conducts a comprehensive examination of hydrogen fuel cell (FC) technology in ships, scrutinizing the role of international classification societies and exploring existing standards and regulations within the maritime industry, specifically centered around hydrogen energy. The study outlines a strategic developmental roadmap for a green shipping hydrogen energy system tailored for hydrogen FC-powered ships in China. Emphasizing the differences in hydrogen application between fuel cell vehicles and ships, the paper elucidates technical challenges unique to hydrogen FC-powered ships. Furthermore, it proposes a visionary framework for future technical standards, advocating for the creation of a ship-based hydrogen energy standard system, the development of core technical standards, and a heightened focus on safety regulations. Through comprehensive analysis and compelling argumentation on hydrogen fuel cell ship technology and standards, this paper underscores the indispensable role that technical standards play in propelling the advancement of environmentally friendly shipping. Beyond serving as an informative resource, the paper aims to provide valuable guidance and direction for the future demonstration, application, and promotion of hydrogen fuel cell ship technology. Ultimately, it underscores the pivotal role of technical standards in advancing sustainable maritime transportation. • Analyze hydrogen energy technical standards from the production, storage, safety. • Comparison of hydrogen energy technical differences between vehicles and ships. • Outline the unique challenges of applying hydrogen technology to ship operations. • Constructed a technical standard framework for future hydrogen energy ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, China's crude steel production amount reached 1.019 billion tons, and the energy consumption of China's steel industry amount reached 561 million tons of coal. China's steel industry, with its dominant reliance on coal for energy and the primary use of blast furnaces and converters in production processes, as well as its massive output, has become the main field for achieving China's "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality" goals. Firstly, this article summarizes the current production status of the steel industry and the situation of carbon emissions in the steel industry. Secondly, it discusses the dual-carbon policies based on the national and steel industry levels and outlines the future directions for China's steel industry. Subsequently, it analyzes the current state of research and application of mature and emerging low-carbon technology in China's steel industry and details the low-carbon plans of China's steel companies using the low-carbon technology roadmaps of two representative steel companies as examples. Finally, the article gives policy suggestions for the further carbon reduction of China's steel industry. The purpose of this paper is to show the efforts and contributions of China's steel industry to the early realization of its "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality" goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the effects of China's carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) is crucial for the coordinated development of Chinese cities. Therefore, based on the panel data of 242 cities in China from 2008 to 2019, this paper uses the multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) model to comprehensively evaluate the impact of carbon market on the coordinated development of cities from the perspectives of carbon market policy and carbon market efficiency, and then analyzes the mechanism and heterogeneity of the effect of carbon market efficiency. The results show that both carbon market policy and carbon market efficiency can promote the coordinated development of cities. Science and education expenditure plays a significant intermediary role in the impact of carbon market efficiency on the coordinated development of cities. The heterogeneity test finds that the stricter the performance penalty system, the higher the level of urban coordinated development, and the stronger the effect of carbon market efficiency. The findings of this paper provide policy recommendations for further improving the construction of China's pilot and national ETS and enhancing the coordinated development of Chinese cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries have launched the carbon emission trading scheme (ETS), attempting to limit carbon emissions through total amount control, and thus accelerating the improvement of emission reduction technology. However, the role of the ETS in emission reduction technical change (ERTC) is still controversial. To clarify the role of the ETS in ERTC, this paper firstly proposes an endogenous growth equilibrium model to theoretically analyze how the ETS induces ERTC, and extracts the corresponding influencing factors. Then, the emission reduction technology is further decomposed into the source, process and end-of-pipe emission reduction technologies by the whole process decomposition method. Last, taking China's carbon pilot market as a sample, we use the time-varying difference-in-difference method to empirically estimate the impacts of the ETS on ERTC. Results show that: (1) the ETS is conducive to ERTC, but whether the effect is significant is depends on the technology accumulation in the early stage, research efforts, success probability of technology research, and carbon trading effect; (2) China's ETS significantly improved the process emission reduction technology, but has no obvious effects on the source and end-of-pipe emission reduction technology. (3) China's ETS has heterogeneous impacts on technical change concerning different regions. Accordingly, three suggestions are provided, including laying out new technologies for energy conservation and emission reduction, expanding the industry coverage of the ETS, and correcting the distortion of carbon trading price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of China's goals for carbon peak and carbon neutrality, wind turbines are continually evolving to achieve a lower levelized cost of energy. The primary technological focus in the wind power industry is on large-scale, lightweight designs for entire turbines to enhance cost competitiveness. However, this advancement has led to an increased risk of blade fractures under extreme operating conditions. This paper addresses this challenging issue by using geometrically exact beam theory to develop a nonlinear simulation model for long, flexible blades. The model accounts for sudden changes in blade properties at the moment of failure, covering both the extensive motions and deformations of the fractured blade. The validation of the proposed model is carried out by comparing the results from power production cases with bladed simulations and further validating the simulations of blade fracture load cases against measurement data. The methodologies and findings presented in this study offer valuable insights for diagnosing faults in wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world's largest emitter of carbon, China has implemented a series of environmental regulatory policies to reduce emissions. However, most of these environmental regulations have been at the expense of increased corporate environmental costs. Therefore, research on how to efficiently control these costs is of significant practical importance. This paper uses the China's carbon trading policy (CTP) implemented in 2013 as a quasi-natural experiment, utilizing data from Chinese listed manufacturing firms between 2008 and 2020. Employing a difference-in-differences (DID) model, the study investigates the impact of market-incentive environmental regulatory policies (ERP) on environmental costs. The findings reveal that CTP significantly reduced the environmental costs of firms, confirming the positive and vital role market-incentive ERP can play in environmental protection and cost control. These conclusions remain robust after a series of stability tests. Mechanism analysis suggests that the cost reductions brought by market-incentive ERP are primarily achieved through increasing green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis shows that non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), key polluting firms, firms with lower financial constraints, and firms with lower total production efficiency benefit more from market-incentive environmental regulatory policies. This study provides new empirical evidence for government policy-making aimed at achieving long-term sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2016, countries began to explore new economic models to get rid of the high emissions and high pollution caused by the traditional extensive economic model. Circular economy (CE) is regarded as an important way to achieve carbon neutrality, yet there is little literature has explored the relationship between the two. This paper aims to provide evidence and suggestions for developing circular economy strategies in emerging developing countries such as China by exploring the relationship between circular economy and carbon emissions. In this study, urban carbon emissions were measured by using high-resolution carbon emission data and the circular economy of 285 cities in China from 2009 to 2018 was estimated using a data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model based on a super effective slackness measure. Then, the spatial impact of the circular economy was analyzed based on the spatial Durbin model. The empirical results are as follows: first, carbon intensity shows a positive spatial correlation, with most cities clustered in high-high (H-H) and low-low (L-L) types. Second, it was found that CE has a significant negative impact on the carbon intensity of local cities and neighboring cities. Third, based on regional heterogeneity, CE has significant negative direct and indirect effects in central and western cities. In contrast, CE has only significant direct effects (negative values) in eastern cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local land use carbon budget (LUCB) balance is an important factor in achieving regional carbon neutrality. As the basic unit of China's economic development and social governance, the county level is an important part of the realization of the "double carbon" goal. This paper focuses on 1069 county units within the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). It utilizes data on land use, nighttime light, energy consumption, and social and economic factors to construct carbon emission models. The spatiotemporal characteristics of LUCB in these county units are analyzed using standard deviational ellipse (SDE) and spatial autocorrelation methods. Additionally, a zoning study is conducted by examining the economic contribution coefficient (ECC) of carbon emissions, the ecological support coefficient (ESC), and their coupling relationship. The results show that (1) the total land use carbon emissions (LUCE) increased significantly during the research period, and the total carbon sink was relatively stable. (2) The LUCB is spatially high in the east and low in the west, with the center of gravity moving to the southwest as a whole. (3) The LUCB shows positive spatial autocorrelation and has significant spatial agglomeration characteristics, which are mainly high–high and low–low regional agglomeration types. (4) The ECC is high in the east and low in the west, the ESC is high in the west and low in the east, and the coordination and coupling degrees of the two are low. (5) According to the ECC and ESC, the county unit is divided into a low-carbon conservation area, an economic development area, a carbon sink development area, and a comprehensive optimization area. This study is helpful in promoting the sustainable development of carbon neutrality and low carbon in the YREB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Agricultural carbon productivity considers the dual goals of "agricultural economic growth" and "carbon emission reduction". Improving agricultural carbon productivity is a requirement for promoting green and low-carbon development of agriculture. Agricultural production agglomeration is widespread worldwide, but the relationship between agricultural production agglomeration and agricultural carbon productivity is inconclusive. This paper aims to study the impact of agricultural production agglomeration on agricultural carbon productivity, which is conducive to a better understanding of the relationships among agglomeration, agricultural economic development and carbon emission, better planning of agricultural layout to build a modern agricultural industrial system and achieve the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Design/methodology/approach: Based on China's provincial data from 1991 to 2019, this paper uses non-radial directional distance function (NDDF) and Metafrontier Malmquist–Luenberger (MML) productivity index to measure total factor agricultural carbon productivity. Subsequently, using a panel two-way fixed effect model to study the effect and mechanism of agricultural production agglomeration on agricultural carbon productivity, and the two-stage least squares method (IV-2SLS) is used to solve endogeneity. Finally, this paper formulates a moderating effect model from the perspective of the efficiency of agricultural material capital inputs. Findings: The empirical results identify that Chinese provincial agricultural carbon productivity has an overall growth trend and agricultural technological progress is the major source of growth. There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between agricultural production agglomeration and agricultural carbon productivity. The input efficiency of agricultural film, machine and water resources have moderating effects on the inverted U-shaped relationship. Agricultural production agglomeration also promotes agricultural carbon productivity by inhibiting agricultural carbon emissions in addition to affecting agricultural input factors and its internal mechanisms are agricultural green technology progress and rural human capital improvement. Originality/value: This paper innovatively adopts the NDDF–MML method to measure the total factor agricultural carbon productivity more scientifically and accurately and solves the problems of ignoring group heterogeneity and the shortcomings of traditional productivity measurement in previous studies. This paper also explains the inverted U-shaped relationship between agricultural production agglomeration and agricultural carbon productivity theoretically and empirically. Furthermore, from the perspective of agricultural material capital input efficiency, this paper discusses the moderating effect of input efficiency of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural film, agricultural machines and water resources on agricultural production agglomeration affecting agricultural carbon productivity and answers the mechanism of carbon emission reduction of agricultural production agglomeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now, China has made it clear that it will strive to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 (the "dual carbon" goals), based on the logic that carbon peaking is a prerequisite for carbon neutrality. The year 2021 is the first year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan period. As the main battlefields to achieve the "dual carbon" goals, cities are also required to build on their pathways towards such goals under new conditions. Based on the progress China has made with pilot cities for low-carbon development and the discussion on 60 cities by category, this paper identifies the commonalities and differences between Chinese cities' pathways towards carbon peaking, and concludes that Chinese cities need to peak their carbon emissions in an organized and step-wise way on the basis of classification and according to their own development level and emission characteristics. In light of the above conclusion, this paper provides feasible suggestions for Chinese cities' carbon peaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate anomalies are affecting the world. How to reduce carbon emissions has become an important issue for governments and academics. Although previous researchers have discussed the factors of carbon emission reduction from environmental regulation, economic development, and industrial structure, limited studies have explored the carbon emission reduction effect of a city's spatial structure. Based on 108 Chinese cities from the Yangtze River Economic Belt between 2003 and 2017, this paper examines the impact of the city cluster policy on city carbon emissions using the difference-in-differences (DID) method. We find that: (1) The city cluster policy has significantly reduced the cities' carbon emissions by 7.4%. Furthermore, after a series of robust and endogenous tests, such as parallel trend and PSM-DID, the core conclusion still remains. (2) We further identify possible economic channels through this effect, and find that city cluster policy would increase city productivity, city technological innovation, and industrial structure optimization. The conclusions of this paper have important practical significance for China to achieve carbon neutrality and facilitate future deep decarbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of China's commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, as well as its strategy to build a strong transportation country, it is of foremost importance to study the carbon emission reduction effect of the opening of high-speed rail (HSR). This paper innovatively introduces the frequency of HSR stops as an indicator of HSR operation, and uses a time-varying difference-in-difference (DID) model, a mediating effect model and a spatial DID model to assess the direct and indirect impact, transmission mechanism, and spatial spillover effects of the opening and operation of HSR on carbon emission reduction based on a panel of 279 prefecture-level cities from 2003 to 2017. We found that the opening and operation of HSR significantly reduced urban carbon emissions. The direct transmission mechanism analysis shows that the opening of HSR can reduce carbon emissions by replacing highway passenger traffic. Indirect mechanism analysis shows that the opening of HSR can reduce carbon emissions through technological effect, structural effect and opening effect. The test of spatial spillover effect shows that the opening of HSR can promote carbon emission reduction not only in node cities, but also in neighboring cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon flow in forest products trade will affect the report of a country's carbon stock. This will have an impact on a country's contribution of carbon flows. Based on the analysis of China's forest product trade, this paper uses the stock-change approach, the production approach and the atmospheric-flow approach to calculate the changes of China's forest products trade carbon flows. Different carbon flow measurement approaches have very different results. From the perspective of the contribution of forest products to carbon flow, the production approach of calculation for forest products trade carbon flow has the largest contribution to atmospheric carbon flows. However, the calculation results of the stock-change approach and the atmospheric-flow approach are just the opposite, that is, the calculation for forest products trade has a negative contribution to China's carbon sinks, and forest products trade has become a source of carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The launch of the national carbon emissions trading (CET) market has resulted in a closer relationship between China's CET market and its electricity market, making it easy for risks to transfer between markets. This paper utilizes data from China's CET market and electric power companies between 2017 and 2023 to construct the spillover index model of Diebold and Yilmaz, the frequency-domain spillover approach developed by Barun'ik and Křehl'ik, and a minimum spanning tree model. The comparison is made before and after the launch of the national CET market. Subsequently, this paper examines the market spillover effects, as well as the static and dynamic properties of network structures, considering both the time domain and frequency-domain perspectives. The research findings suggest the following: (1) There is a strong risk spillover effect between China's CET market and the stock prices of electric power companies; (2) There is asymmetry in the paired spillover effects between carbon trading pilot markets and the national CET market, and differences exist in the impact of risk spillovers from power companies between the two; (3) The results of the MST model indicate that the risk contagion efficiency is higher in the regional CET pilot stage compared to the national CET market launch stage, with significant changes occurring in key nodes before and after the launch of the national CET market; (4) Both the dynamic spillover index and the standardized tree length results demonstrate that crisis events can worsen the risk contagion between markets. Besides offering a theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for the development of China's CET and electricity markets, the findings of this paper can provide recommendations for financial market participants as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]