A PVAR dynamic correlation appraisal of China’s carbon emissions in conjunction with economic growth and clean energy use

Abstract

This study aims to explore the dynamic relationship among economic growth, clean energy, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China. The indicators of economic growth, clean energy, CO2 emissions, fixed assets investment, and research and development intensity of 30 provinces and municipalities for the period of 2005–2019 in China have been investigated by Panel Vector Autoregression model (PVAR). To further explore regional differences, three types of regions were classified by K-means cluster analysis. The results show that clean energy has a positive impact on economic growth in China; Clean energy reduces CO2 emissions in Region II while others do not; Both fixed assets investment and research and development promote clean energy development; The dynamic relationship between the 5 indicators varies across regions. Various regions in China should combine their development characteristics and location advantages, increase capital investment and research and development input in clean energy, strengthen environmental regulations, and improve the energy consumption structure.