Environmental Effects of Energy Consumption: A Case Study of Henan

Abstract

Henan Province is a major birthplace of the Chinese nation and civilization; it has rich tourism resources, including many internationally famous cultural relics and historical sites. To ensure the sustainable development of humanistic tourism in Henan Province, it is essential to study the environmental issues of energy consumption. Using the carbon footprint approach, this article analyzes the environmental effects of energy consumption and evaluates the corresponding energy policies in Henan Province. First, economic development is causing environmental degradation and a large carbon footprint in Henan Province. Second, LMDI factor decomposition analysis of the carbon footprint of energy consumption in Henan Province shows that economic development factors are positively promoting the carbon footprint of energy consumption, while energy efficiency plays an inhibiting role. Finally, based on an evaluation of the energy policies of Henan and a prediction for the carbon footprint of energy consumption, by the end of 2021, under the “Three-Year Action Plan for Pollution Prevention and Control in Henan Province”, the carbon footprint of energy consumption will decrease by 5% compared with 2015. On the one hand, this study can provide reference for other developing countries in the world to improve energy consumption efficiency and relieve the pressure of energy consumption on the environment and ecosystem. On the other hand, it also provides a model for how to protect the sustainable development of the regions with rich cultural tourism resources.