Inequality of carbon emissions between urban and rural residents in China and emission reduction strategies: evidence from Shandong Province

Abstract

China is actively heeding the call and striving for a low-carbon and environmentally friendly development route as part of the general trend toward a global low-carbon economy. The rapid economic development of our nation has brought to light the issue of carbon emissions resulting from the consumption habits of residents. This paper delves into the topic by conducting a thorough analysis of the carbon emission of residents’ consumption using the input-output method. Based on the survey findings, the disparity in carbon emission between urban and rural communities in Shandong Province is evident not only in terms of total emissions but also in different categories and regions. Urban residents generate a total carbon emission of approximately 70.2921 million tons, which is three times higher than that of rural residents at 23.7846 million tons. The carbon emission of both urban and rural residents is primarily attributed to their embodied carbon emission. In examining the composition of the implied carbon emission of residents’ consumption in Shandong Province, urban residents’ carbon emission is concentrated in three areas, namely, food, culture, education, entertainment, transportation, and communication, accounting for 21.45%, 20.88%, and 15.10%, respectively. Conversely, rural residents’ carbon emission is concentrated in four areas, including clothing, food, culture, education, entertainment, transportation, and communication, accounting for 29.01%, 17.45%, 15.43%, and 13.36%, respectively. Finally, according to the characteristics of the consumption carbon emission of urban and rural residents in Shandong Province, we give corresponding emission reduction strategies.