Evolutionary pattern, operation mechanism and policy orientation of low carbon economy development

Abstract

The essence of low carbon economy development is a continuous evolution and innovation process of socio-economic system from traditional carbon economy to new sustainable green low carbon economy to achieve a sustainable dynamic balance and benign interactive development of various elements between society, economy and natural ecosystem. At the current stage, China’s socio-economy is showing the feature of three high (high energy consumption, emissions and pollution). In this case, quickly to promote the development of green low carbon economy is necessary and urgent. This research indicates that, low carbon economy development is achieved by micro-economic agents such as households, businesses and social intermediary organizations through Government’s guidance and the role of market mechanism. In low carbon economy development, the state (government) is a leader and markets are core, while economic agents (e.g., households, businesses and social intermediary organizations) are basis. For this reason, it is necessary to build an effective cleaner development and incentive-compatible policy system oriented to end-users.