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Based on the classic Keynesian theory of money demand and city panel data, in this study, we investigate the impacts of different money demand motives on urban household consumption in China, and provide ideas for promoting sustainable growth in household consumption in China. The results of this study show the following: First, in general, the theory of money demand motivation can adequately explain household consumption in large and medium-sized cities in China. Second, the CPI time series has a significant adverse effect on the real money demand of most households. Third, residents significantly reduce food consumption to satisfy speculative money demand for financial instruments, and the lower the income level, the keener households are to invest in high-risk stocks. Fourth, even for high-income households, the precautionary money demand generated via the purchase of commercial insurance still has a significant crowding-out effect on their total consumption. Social security spending, which reduces the precautionary money demand of households, has a much more positive impact on high-income households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling medical plastic waste has the potential to significantly reduce environmental pollution while also providing significant economic benefits. This study develops a benchmark model for the benefit evaluation of China's medical plastic waste recycling decision system in 2019, focusing on the recovery system's benefits and costs. Following model construction, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the relevant parameters affecting the recycling system's efficiency. Finally, the system's primary recovery indexes are predicted for three development scenarios based on the results of sensitivity analysis: low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed development. The results indicate that each ton of medical plastic waste generates an economic benefit of 2708.6 yuan in 2019, 187.8 μg TEQ of dioxin during incineration, and 1.48 tons of carbon dioxide during the recovery process. The total emission reduction is approximately 0.76 tons when compared to the initial production. If the illegal recovery rate is reduced by 0.5% and the mixed disposal rate is reduced by 5%, the comprehensive benefits increase by approximately 15.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The results of the scenario simulations indicate that the recovery benefit and potential for emission reduction associated with each ton of medical plastic waste increase year after year, while carbon dioxide emissions exhibit an inverted "U" shape evolution. [Display omitted] • Material flow analysis and LCA for medical plastic recycling system is constructed. • Benefits and losses of the recycling system are analyzed quantitatively. • The sensitivity analysis of three main factors affecting the system is carried out. • The recovery benefits are predicted under scenarios of low, mid and high speed. • Recycling makes the safe disposal of medical waste and brings considerable benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Household indirect energy consumption is decomposed by input-output subsystem method. • Indirect consumption is 1.3 and 1.65 times of direct in 2012 and 2017 respectively. • Coal indirect consumption accounts for 50.2%, 54.6% in 2012 and 2017 respectively. • Spillover effect is the most one among the four components. • Ferrous metal smelting and rolling sector is most affected by household activities. In recent years, China's rapid economic development and steady growth of household consumption have contributed to the continuous growth of energy consumption. In addition to considering direct household energy consumption, the indirect effects of people's consumption activities on energy consumption in other productive sectors can't be ignored. According to the input-output analysis framework and consumer lifestyle analysis, this paper mainly studies the direct and indirect consumption of energy by Chinese household consumption ways and the relationship between energy structure and lifestyle. From the perspective of structural analysis, the input-output subsystem model (scale component, own internal component, feed-back component and spillover component) is used to analyze the energy supply and demand relations among 36 sectors of the national economy related to the lives of household in 2012 and 2017, revealing the change trend and transmission mechanism. This paper also focuses on the impact of household consumption ways on energy consumption of industrial sector and changing consumer lifestyles on energy saving, meanwhile it also forecasts China's future household energy consumption under four scenarios. The results show that in 2012 and 2017, total consumption of energy which is influenced by household consumption ways in China is 28461.82 PJ and 44759.96 PJ, respectively, accounting for 26.9% and 34.1% of total consumption of final energy. The indirect energy consumption is 1.3 times and 1.65 times of direct, respectively. The coal consumption accounts for the majority of indirect energy consumption. The smelting and pressing of ferrous metals is the industrial sector which is most affected by the household consumption ways. The scale component, own internal component, feed-back component and spillover component has accounted for 18.5%, 1.3%, 0.1% and 80.0%, from 17.5%, 2.0%, 0.2% and 80.3% of energy consumption in total, respectively. Under the four scenario development modes (NN, NA, LN and LA), it is predicted that the indirect energy consumption in household life in 2025 is 43740.56PJ, 34922.93PJ, 39149.37PJ and 31257.28PJ, respectively. The implementation of low-carbon consumption mode and the accelerated decline of energy intensity will help to reduce energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the empirical analysis of panel data on new energy listed companies in China, the relationships among government subsidies, enterprise research and development input (R&D input), and firm performance are explored to measure the impact of government subsidies on firm performance and the mediation mechanism of R&D input. In addition, the effects of the moderation variables of regional characteristics and state ownership are measured from the enterprise heterogeneity perspective. The results show that government subsidies have a positive promoting effect on R&D input; R&D input has a two-year lag positive effect on firm performance; government subsidies have a two-year lag positive effect on firm performance through the mediation role of R&D input. Regional characteristics and enterprise properties moderate the effect of government subsidies on firm performance. Government subsidies have a greater positive effect on firm performance in the eastern coastal areas than they do in mid-west coastal areas, and there is a crowding-out effect on the mid-west coastal areas. Government subsidies have a greater positive effect on the performance of non-state-owned enterprises than they do on state-owned enterprises. Suggestions are provided for the government to adjust subsidy policy and improve the performance of new energy enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global warming problem caused by carbon emissions from transportation has caused widespread concern, and the choice of private vehicle type directly affects the carbon emissions of individuals' travel. Therefore, replacing internal combustion vehicles with battery electric vehicles turns out to be an important measure to solve traffic-related pollution. Battery electric vehicles are high-intervention environmentally friendly products. In addition to considering their functional benefits, consumers will also value the symbolic meaning of electric vehicles, which could be an effective expression of their identities. This study explored the factors of the electric vehicle adoption intention from the perspective of the symbolic meaning, and explored the boundary conditions of symbolic meaning's effects on adoption intention from the perspective of consumer self-identity and traditional cultural value (face consciousness). The conclusions of this paper are as follows: (1) The status symbol, environmentalism symbol, and innovation symbol of electric vehicles have significant positive impacts on the adoption intention of consumers. Compared to status symbol, environmentalism symbol and innovation symbol have stronger influences; (2) The influence of the environmentalism symbol on adoption intention is positively moderated by environmentalist self-identity; (3) The influence of the innovation symbol on adoption intention is positively moderated by innovator self-identity; (4) The influence of the innovation symbol on the adoption intention is positively moderated by face consciousness. This research provides a theoretical support for electric vehicle companies to develop promotion strategies and target customers, and can effectively promote the popularity of electric vehicles. Image 1 • Chinese consumers' perception of different symbolic meanings of electric vehicles and their adoption intention were comprehensively investigated. • The status, environmentalism, and innovation symbol of electric vehicles have positive impacts on consumers' adoption intention. • Consumer self-identity plays a moderating role in the influence of symbolic meanings on adoption intention. • The influence of the innovation symbol on the adoption intention is moderated by face consciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world's largest coal producer and consumer, China's transition from coal to cleaner energy sources is critical for achieving global decarbonization. Increasing regulations on air pollution and carbon emissions and decreasing costs of renewables drive China's transition away from coal; however, this transition also has implications for employment and social justice. Here, we assess China's current coal-transition policies, their barriers, and the potential for an accelerated transition, as well as the associated environmental, human health, and employment and social justice issues that may arise from the transition. We estimate that the most aggressive coal-transition pathway could reduce annual premature death related to coal combustion by 224,000 and reduce annual water consumption by 4.3 billion m 3 in 2050 compared with business-as-usual. We highlight knowledge gaps and conclude with policy recommendations for an integrated approach to facilitate a rapid and just transition away from coal in China., (© 2020 Elsevier Inc.)