Public Awareness and Performance Relating to the Implementation of a Low-Carbon Economy in China: A Case Study from Zhengzhou

Liping Chen,David Taylor

doi:10.4236/lce.2011.22009

Abstract

This paper aims to examine levels of awareness and performance relating to the promotion of a Low-carbon economy (LCE) among the general public in Zhengzhou, China. The data and information used were derived from 300 question-naires distributed randomly among households in the west, south and north urban districts of Zhengazhou. The results indicate a combination of high awareness with poor understanding of LCE programmes among respondents, with the poor understanding probably due to a shortage of appropriate information from trusted sources and shortcomings in education. Respondents generally showed positive attitudes toward pro-environmental actions, such as refusing to use plastic bags, waste recycling, water and energy conservation. Apart from regulation and policies, they considered edu-cation and economic incentives as effective mechanisms to promote LCE implementation. Overall those consulted re-sponded favourably towards the prospect of LCE, with some reservations. Results of the study, though limited, suggest that the general public in China has the potential to be a facilitator of environmental improvements in the country.

Highlights

Climate change is likely to remain a pressing challenge to human society throughout the 21st century, until concerted actions are taken to prevent further global warming-induced effects and to achieve sustainable development
This paper aims to examine levels of awareness and performance relating to the promotion of a Low-carbon economy (LCE) among the general public in Zhengzhou, China
As a major producer of greenhouse gases, has ensured that LCE is at the core of its response to agreements reached at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) meeting in Copenhagen in 2009, and is actively promoting LCE through the mass media and other channels for disseminating public information

Summary

Introduction

Climate change is likely to remain a pressing challenge to human society throughout the 21st century, until concerted actions are taken to prevent further global warming-induced effects and to achieve sustainable development. The application of science will no doubt be an important component of these concerted actions, reducing climate change impacts will be largely contingent on the active cooperation of people in the implementation of strategies aimed at mitigation [1]. Implementation of a Low-carbon economy (LCE) has emerged as a possible solution at regional, national and international levels to the problem of balancing the demands of combating climate change with those of maintaining economic growth and alleviating poverty. As a major producer of greenhouse gases, has ensured that LCE is at the core of its response to agreements reached at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) meeting in Copenhagen in 2009, and is actively promoting LCE through the mass media and other channels for disseminating public information. According to [5], the overall aim of LCE in China is to replace carbon-based fuels through technology innovation as part of the country’s strategy for sus-

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Conclusion