Relationships between Carbon Emissions and Economic Growth, Foreign Direct Investment and Export in China

Abstract

China's CO2 emissions from 1990 to 2010 were calculated as well as two economical models were established, and the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions, economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI) and export trade was analyzed. The result shows that the relations between China's carbon emissions and GDP showing the "N" type. Economic growth and export trade had significantly promoted China's carbon emissions, while the relations between FDI and China's carbon emissions are not significant. During the past years, exports have played an important role in promoting china's economic development. However, the main exporting industries are energy and emission intensive, which reveals disadvantage for carbon reduction. To reverse the negative impact of the export to china's carbon dioxide emissions, export structure should be optimized, and the outdated technology, equipment and products should be eliminated, while energy-conservative and environmental friendly industries should be promoted.