How to realize low-carbon travel in rural areas? Evidence from China

Abstract

Low-carbon travel for rural residents in China is of great significance for reducing CO 2 emissions and achieving the “dual carbon goals”. This paper uses system dynamics modeling and case analysis to explore the realization path of low-carbon travel in rural China, establishes a complex system dynamics model of low-carbon rural travel in China. By running multi-scenario simulations, the characteristics of rural residents‘ travel and the trend of CO 2 emissions in China are found. Through the case study, it is found that the built environment, low-carbon travel policy, rural residents‘ travel preference and travel cost are the important factors affecting rural low-carbon travel. New energy policy can effectively reduce rural travel CO 2 emissions. However, an excessively large increase in rural low-carbon public transport would reduce marginal benefits. The government should choose the right policy intensity according to the economic and fiscal situation.