Quantifying future smart village transformation: an assessment of Zhejiang’s future villages under carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals

Abstract

ABSTRACT The global climate change caused by carbon emissions presents obstacles to the sustainable development of villages around the globe. In China, the world’s greatest carbon emitter, the construction of villages generates substantial carbon emissions. This study employs quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the efficacy of future smart villages by developing a model under the “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” objective. Based on the indicators provided in the local government documents and normative documents at all levels and in conjunction with the “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” objective, this study establishes a system for evaluating the efficacy of the implementation of the future smart village construction using an analytical hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method with 10 criteria levels and 60 program levels. The research team obtained the necessary information and data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with local administrative cadres, pertinent professionals, and villagers. The results indicate that intelligent future village construction can reduce the village’s carbon emissions. The “Industry” indication is the most essential element. The term “Industry” is essential to the development of intelligent future villages as well as to the carbon reduction of villages. “Low carbon and energy” is the second factor. Industrial modernization, low-carbon development, and the use of renewable energy in the villages have significantly contributed to reducing carbon emissions and the viability of the villages. As the Future smart village is currently being implemented, the research indicates that there are few samples and data available. Consequently, future research must continue to increase sample size and data.” This research can scientifically and rationally evaluate the construction of the Future smart village and provide a strategy for optimizing the construction model for rural revitalization.