Unequal household carbon emissions and potential determinants in China: Evidence from nationwide household surveys

Abstract

Reducing carbon emissions from households can significantly contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. This study examined household carbon emissions and explored potential issues of inequality in China from 2010 to 2018. We found that the average carbon emissions of all households increased over the years, with the housing category experiencing the highest growth rate of 52.25%. Household carbon emissions are not the same across different regions and income groups. Inequality in carbon emissions is the highest in the eastern part of the country, followed by the central and western regions, and the lowest in the northeast. Carbon emissions inequality is highest among middle-income households, followed by high-income households, and the lowest among low-income households. These differences can be attributed to various factors such as population, technology, and socio-economic status. This study recommends implementing regional carbon taxes and income differential tax policies to address household carbon emissions inequalities.