Abstract
Based on the statistical data from 1997 to 2017, with the utilization of the IPCC carbon accounting method, Tapio decoupling model, and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI), the temporal evolution characteristics of Qinghai’s energy-related carbon emissions, the decoupling relationship, and its driving factors were analyzed. The results indicated that 1) The carbon emissions of Qinghai showed a trend of first slowly increasing, then rapidly increasing, and finally fluctuating and decreasing. It increased from 3.85 million tons in 1997 to 14.33 million tons in 2017, with an average annual growth rate of 6.79%. The carbon emission intensity revealed a steady downward trend, from 189.82 tons/million CNY in 1997 to 54.6 tons/million CNY in 2017, with an average annual growth rate of –6.04%. 2) The relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth was represented by four types: weak decoupling, strong decoupling, expansion negative decoupling, and expansion coupling. Among them, a strong decoupling was achieved only in the five periods of 1997–1998, 1999–2000, 2001–2002, 2013–2015, and 2016–2017. 3) The structural effect of energy consumption was the paramount factor in restraining carbon emissions, followed by the energy intensity effect, while economic growth, and population size were important factors facilitating the increase in carbon emissions. To this end, Qinghai should continuously optimize its energy structure and improve energy utilization efficiency, thus achieving economic green and high-quality development.
Highlights
Climate change and global warming have become important issues of common concern for countries all over the world in the 21st century
On the one hand, underdeveloped regions urgently need to expand their incomes by driving output to catch up with developed regions, while economic activities are the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, which will inevitably increase the difficulty of energy conservation and emission reduction
As the urban population generates more carbon emissions than the rural population, and more investment is spent on urban infrastructure construction and renovation, this has increased the pressure in underdeveloped regions
Summary
Climate change and global warming have become important issues of common concern for countries all over the world in the 21st century. Carbon emissions (CO2) from the consumption of fossil energy in economic activities are the most important factor that gives rise to climate warming (Hirota et al, 2006). To cope with climate change, many countries have taken the action plan to reduce carbon emissions and made important commitments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by the middle of the 21st century. CO2 Emissions in Qinghai proposed that China’s CO2 emissions will strive to reach the peak before 2030 and spare no effort to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. As the largest developing country in the world, it is very difficult for China to complete industrialization and reach carbon neutrality from the peak of carbon in just 30 years
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
