Consumption In China Research Articles

Mechanism testing of the empowerment of green transformation and upgrading of industry by the digital economy in China

With the continuous advancement of industrialization, global environmental problems are becoming increasingly severe. Maintaining economic growth while improving the environment has been an important issue for many countries, especially developing countries. As industry is a major source of environmental pollution, industrial green transformation and upgrading have become particularly important. In the era of the digital economy (DE), there is a new path for industrial green transformation and upgrading. Based on provincial data on industry from 2008 to 2021, a difference-in-differences (DID) model was constructed to analyze the environmental and economic benefits. New pathways for trade-offs between environmental improvement and economic growth in China are presented. In addition, new ideas are concerning global environmental issues and economic issues in the DE are presented. The present study indicates that the DE has reduced the intensity of pollution emissions and elevated total factor productivity (TFP), which has helped to promote industrial green transformation and upgrading. Further mechanism testing showed that the DE has promoted industrial green transformation and upgrading by improving the utilization of energy and resources and promoting technological innovation. Considering the utilization of energy and resources, the DE has decreased China’s total industrial consumption of energy and coal, reduced industrial water consumption, and reduced the share of coal consumption and increased the share of clean energy consumption in China’s total industrial energy consumption; these effects have optimized the efficiency and structure of China’s energy utilization to contribute to the green transformation and upgrading of industry. Regarding technological innovation, the development of the DE has increased industrial innovation output and R&D input. Furthermore, it has promoted innovation with respect to green processes, accelerating technological innovation, and realized industrial green transformation and upgrading.

How does COVID-19 distort the impact of information interventions on low-carbon diet transitions: a case of dairy consumption in China

PurposeThis paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on low-carbon consumption of dairy products through informational interventions. The empirical findings seek to enlighten developing countries' efforts in coping with climate change and potential dietary transitions.Design/methodology/approachA randomized controlled trial was designed to examine the effects of purpose-differentiated information interventions on individual dairy consumption. The experiment recruited and randomly assigned 1,002 college students into four groups to receive (or not) environmental or/and health information interventions.FindingsThe empirical analysis finds that health and combined information interventions have a positive impact on dairy consumption, while environmental information interventions' effect on dairy consumption is insignificant. In the context of the pandemic, health information interventions positively affected participants' perceptions and preferences for dairy products by delivering knowledge about their role in boosting immunity. However, environmental information interventions failed to do the same things as their insignificant effects on both perception and preference.Originality/valueMacro-external shocks, such as public health events, may offset the impact of universal information interventions promoting pro-environmental behaviors. For a smooth dietary transition to achieve long-term environmental sustainability, diverse stakeholders must be included in more individualized interventions to guide daily consumption, especially in developing countries with large populations.

Development and Optimization of a Rapid In Vitro Micropropagation System for the Perennial Vegetable Night Lily, Hemerocallis citrina Baroni

The perennial herbaceous night lily, Hemerocallis citrina Baroni, is an important vegetable crop with an increasing production and consumption in China. The long lifecycle and slow growth of the night lily are becoming bottlenecks for the large-scale production of elite lines and various genetic and breeding studies. There is a lack of a protocol for rapid and efficient micropropagation for this crop. Here, we reported the systematic investigation and optimization of in vitro plant regeneration through tissue-culture-based organogenesis in the night lily variety ‘Datong Huanghua’. We evaluated various factors affecting the efficiency of callus induction and subculture, shoot regeneration, rooting and plantlet establishment, including explant type and age, inoculation methods, basal culture media and the type and concentration of plant growth regulator (phytohormones) in various growth media. We developed an optimized protocol, as follows. The highest efficiency of callus induction was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplied with 22.7 µM TDZ (thidiazuron) using the young scape (flower stem or stalk) as the explant, which was cut longitudinally in half to produce a segment approximately 0.5 cm in length. Callus subculture and proliferation were more efficient on MS medium containing 9.0 µM 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) under light culture conditions. Shoot regeneration showed the highest efficiency on MS medium supplemented with 8.9 µM 6-BA (6-benzylaminopurine) + 5.4 µM NAA (α-naphthaleneacetic acid), while the best rooting medium was MS medium containing 2.7 µM NAA. After transplanting, the transplanted regenerated seedlings showed the highest survival rate (96%) on a substrate mixture with a 2:1:1 ratio of peat/perlite/vermiculite. A protocol and flowchart for the rapid in vitro micropropagation of night lily plants is proposed that will facilitate various genetic, genomic and breeding studies on this crop.

Older Chinese adults' milk consumption habits: A study across 5 cities

Milk consumption in China has experienced a rapid growth over the past few decades. This study explored milk consumption habits of Chinese older adult regular milk consumers, by investigating what, where, when, with whom, why and how milk was consumed. This study (n = 1000) was conducted in 5 cities in China (first-tier: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; second-tier: Chengdu and Shenyang) with participants balanced by gender and age groups (45-55 and 65-75 years old). Given different economies, general dietary habits, and lifestyles, differences in milk consumption habits between cities were hypothesized. The results showed that almost all participants consumed cow milk, at home and by direct drinking. Most participants consumed milk during breakfast, with their family and for nutrition and health purposes. However, variations by city were found in what type of, what fat level of, what brand of, when and how milk was consumed. Multiple factor analysis showed that 'what' variable differentiated cities between tiers and among the first-tier cities, and that 'when' and how' variables also separated the 2 s-tier cities and from the first-tier cities. Although variation in how milk was consumed was also observed between genders and age groups, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the 4 clusters of milk consumption habits derived were mainly differentiated by city: Beijing & Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang. This study provides comprehensive insights into the milk consumption habits of Chinese older adults and highlights the significant heterogeneity in milk consumption habits in China by city.

Characteristics, Drivers and Transitions of Household Energy Consumption in China: An Overview

Energy plays a crucial role in our daily lives, not only as a basis for survival and development, but also as a national strategy. This paper focuses on household energy consumption, which is a key factor in promoting economic development and social progress. Globally, household energy consumption accounts for 25-30% of the total energy consumption, and in China it accounts for 12.4% of the total national energy consumption, making it the second largest force after the first major energy consumer. Since household energy consumption is closely related to climate change, ecological quality, and population health, this paper analyzes the current situation of household energy in China, and conducts a literature review from three key aspects: first, it discusses in depth the characteristics and trends of household energy consumption, and reveals its important position in the global and domestic consumption patterns; second, it examines the drivers that influence household energy consumption, including household size, economic level, geographic location, and many other factors; finally, it focuses on household energy transition and explores the key issues of sustainable energy and green low-carbon transition. Through the review of the literature, this paper aims to provide an in-depth understanding for future research and policy development to effectively address the environmental, ecological and social issues that may arise from household energy consumption.

Driving factors and key paths of metal consumption in China: Evidence from structural decomposition and structural path analysis

Driving factors and key paths of metal consumption in China: Evidence from structural decomposition and structural path analysis

Promoting eco‐labeled food consumption in China: The role of information

AbstractConsumers usually have little knowledge about eco‐labels, and eco‐labeled foods are still relatively uncommon. This study explores whether providing information about eco‐labels can improve consumers’ valuations of eco‐labeled foods. We tested three types of information—selfish (health related), altruistic (environment related), and combined (both)—and used a sample of 4523 Chinese consumers. Our results indicate that all three types of information increase consumers’ valuations of eco‐labeled foods. Consumers express the largest valuation for eco‐labeled foods when provided with selfish information, followed by altruistic information and combined information. We also found heterogeneous responses to all information treatments, with high‐income consumers being more responsive to selfish information, while more highly educated consumers are more sensitive to combined information. We discuss the implications for designing policies to develop eco‐labeled food markets, for example, by using redundant or identity‐based information on the labels, especially in developing economies. [EconLit Citations: D12, Q13, Q18]

China’s Water Footprint on Urban and Rural Food Consumption: A Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Its Driving Factors Analysis from 2000 to 2020

To comprehend the intricate interaction between water resources and food security, it is critical to examine the hidden water footprint (WF) of food consumption and its underlying causes within specific nations or areas. This study investigates the changes in the quality and structure of food consumption in China’s urban and rural areas from 2000 to 2020. Following the calculation of the WF associated with food consumption for both urban and rural populations, this study uses ArcGIS 10.6 software to map the spatial configuration of the provincial per capita WF. Moreover, the random forest model is utilized to uncover the salient determinants influencing the WF of food consumption in urban and rural contexts. Quantitatively, rural populations have witnessed a more pronounced acceleration in their per capita food WF compared with urban entities, with a notable upswing in the proportion of meat and poultry consumption. Spatially, regions exhibiting elevated WF for urban populations have transitioned from the western zones toward the southeast and northeast, whereas a marked east–west dichotomy is evident in rural areas. In terms of drivers, for urban demographics, economic variables emerge as paramount determinants for food WF, while rural areas underscore the prominence of natural and technological parameters. The insights garnered from this investigation bear profound implications for facilitating balanced nutritional intake among China’s urban and rural populations, alleviating food-related water resource pressures, and optimizing water resource utilization.

Spatial-temporal pattern and spatial convergence of carbon emission intensity of rural energy consumption in China.

Based on the panel data of 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2005 to 2019, this paper uses Gini coefficient decomposition and kernel density estimation to investigate the regional differences and dynamic evolution trend of rural energy carbon emission intensity in China. Then, the convergence model is used to analyze the convergence characteristics and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity. The study found the following: (1) During the observation period, the carbon emissions of coal energy and oil energy were much higher than those of gas energy. The carbon emissions of rural energy consumption experienced three stages of development, and the carbon emission intensity showed a downward trend as a whole. The spatial distribution pattern of total carbon emissions present an "adder" distribution, and the spatial agglomeration phenomenon gradually strengthens with the passage of time. (2) The Gini coefficient of China's rural energy consumption carbon emission intensity shows a trend of "Inverted N-shaped." The Gini coefficient of carbon emission intensity in the eastern and northeastern regions shows an increasing trend, while the Gini coefficient of carbon emission intensity in the western and central regions shows a downward trend. The super variable density is the main source of carbon emission intensity difference. The peak value of the main peak of the nuclear density curve of the carbon emission intensity increased significantly, the bimodal form evolved into a single peak form, and the density center moved to the left. (3) The carbon emission intensity of rural energy consumption in the whole, central, and western regions of China has the characteristic of σ convergence, while the carbon emission intensity in the eastern and northeastern regions does not have the characteristic of σ convergence. There is a significant spatial positive correlation in the carbon emission intensity, there is also a significant β convergence characteristic, the speed of conditional β convergence is significantly higher than that of absolute β convergence, and the spatial interaction will further improve the convergence speed. Industrial structure, industrial agglomeration, and energy efficiency will increase the convergence speed. In terms of sub-regions, the conditional convergence rate of carbon emission intensity in the four regions shows a decreasing trend in the northeast, central, eastern, and western regions.

The impact of fiscal support for agricultural expenditure on rural residents' consumption: from a perspective of level and structure

PurposeAs China’s industrial structure continues to upgrade and optimize, the consumption capacity of rural residents gradually improves and the role of consumption in economic growth is increasingly prominent. Against the background of weak external demand, the untapped potential of rural consumption has become a key force in expanding domestic demand. As one of the important means that the government has long relied on, fiscal support for agriculture has played a crucial role in activating the rural consumer market. This manuscript aims to explore the impact of local fiscal support for agricultural expenditure (FSAE) on rural consumption in China, as well as to examine the mediating role of the level of rural financial development.Design/methodology/approachIn this manuscript, the authors use the provincial panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2020. The data of all variables mainly come from China Statistical Yearbook and China Rural Statistical Yearbook. According to the variable selection above, 651 sample data of 31 provinces and cities across China from 2000 to 2020 are organized. In terms of methodology, multiple fixed-effects panel model is applied to regression.FindingsFirstly, FSAE varies significantly, while rural consumption slowly but steadily rises, with a relatively stable consumption structure. Secondly, FSAE has a significant positive effect on rural consumption. Thirdly, mediation testing indicates that mechanisms such as income, uncertainty and financial development have significant positive mediating effects on rural consumption. Thirdly, there is evident regional heterogeneity in FSAE’s impact on rural consumption. The Western regions, under government fiscal support, show a more significant effect on the elevation of rural consumption levels, while the role of FSAE in optimizing the consumption structure of rural residents in eastern and central regions is more pronounced.Originality/valueFirstly, a systematic examination of local FSAE and rural consumption has been conducted, enriching relevant theories. Secondly, utilizing econometric empirical methods to research the relationship between local FSAE and rural consumption provides an exploratory extension to empirical studies on rural consumption in China. This offers empirical evidence for local fiscal support in agricultural development and the promotion of rural consumption.

A 150 years record of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Sihailongwan Maar Lake, Northeast China: impacts of socio-economic developments and pollution control.

The geochemical composition of sediment cores can serve as a proxy for reconstructing past human and nature-driven environmental and climatic changes. We investigated the temporal variation in the concentrations and fluxes of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) which include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs, and azaarenes in the Sihailongwan Maar Lake and found that they remained low before 1950. The PAC concentrations and fluxes increased substantially since 1950, which was in good agreement with the fast socio-economic development, industrialization, and associated growth in fossil fuel consumption in China, particularly since the 1980s. After 2010, the PAC fluxes decreased, which was consistent with the implementation of air pollution control policies in China at that time. The concentration ratios of the sums of low to high molecular weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs/HMW-PAHs), benzo[e]pyrene/benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene-7,12-dione/benzo[a]anthracene all decreased from bottom to top of the sediment core, reflecting the rapidly increasing contribution of emissions derived from high-temperature fossil fuel combustion (energy, transport and industry) to the PAC emissions in recent times at the expense of biomass burning. In addition, these data reflect the increasing local sources of PACs in more recent times because of the enhanced human activities in the area surrounding the Maar lake. Our results demonstrate that PAC fluxes and concentrations in sediment cores reflect the regional and national economic development and the efficiency of pollution control measures.

Spatiotemporal characteristics, influencing factors, and trend prediction of household energy consumption in China

Spatiotemporal characteristics, influencing factors, and trend prediction of household energy consumption in China

Internal and external factors motivate Generation Z's sustainable apparel consumption in China

Internal and external factors motivate Generation Z's sustainable apparel consumption in China

The Investigation on The Factors Influencing Lady Dior Handbag Consumption in China’s Luxury Market: Whether Price is The Dominant Factor

The luxury industry is full of challenges especially under the COVID-19 pandemic, business has been struggling through, such as logistics problem. Despite the difficult economy background, China’s luxury market experienced a double-digit growth while Dior increased the price of Lady Dior handbag. According to the law of demand, quantity demand falls as price increases. Luxury goods are not necessities, thus in economics, luxury goods are defined to have an elastic demand. It is predicted that total revenue falls when price of Lady Dior rises. This is because of the elastic demand will lead to a fall in quantity demand but proportionately larger than the rise in price. However, the financial report of Dior has shown a rises total revenue and increase in demand for luxury goods. This paper explains why consumers are still willing to buy luxury goods even though price increases and the value of price elasticity of demand (PED) of Lady Dior handbag. PED is a numerical measure of the responsiveness of quantity demand of a product following the change in price of goods.

Investigating alcohol consumption in China via wastewater-based epidemiology.

Alcohol abuse and addiction is a public health issue of global concern. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a forceful and effective complementary tool for investigating chemical consumption. This study examined alcohol consumption in major cities of China via WBE and compared WBE estimates with other data sources. A simple and valid ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of two alcohol metabolites, ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) in wastewater. The optimized method was applied to 62 sewage samples collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in 31 provincial capital cities across China in the fourth quarter of 2020. The methodology established in this study was validated with the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) up to 0.1μg/L, good linearity in the range of 0.1-50μg/L, intra-day and inter-day precision less than 5.58% and 5.55%, respectively, and the recoveries of the extracts were higher than 97.14%. The consumption range of alcohol estimated via WBE was 6.09 ± 4.56 ethanol/person/day (EPD) in the capital cities of China. Alcohol consumption varies significantly between cities in China, with WBE estimating lower alcohol consumption than WHO and lower than foreign countries. Investing in alcohol consumption based on WBE has great potential to accurately and efficiently estimate alcohol consumption.

Effects of the Resident Basic Medical Insurance Reform on Household Consumption in China

Effects of the Resident Basic Medical Insurance Reform on Household Consumption in China

Internal and external factors motivate Generation Z's sustainable apparel consumption in China

Internal and external factors motivate Generation Z's sustainable apparel consumption in China

How does digital finance affect energy consumption in China? Empirical evidence from China

How does digital finance affect energy consumption in China? Empirical evidence from China

The Transformation and Development of Green and Low-Carbon Consumption under the Dual Carbon Background

As the proportion of consumption in China's gross domestic product (GDP) increases and its role as a driving force for economic growth strengthens, the impact of consumption on the resource environment and carbon dioxide emissions is becoming increasingly evident. Production is for consumption, and consumption in turn promotes production; consumption determines production and guides the direction and development trend of production. Green and low-carbon consumption is not only the responsibility of consumers, but also puts forward higher requirements for producers: the whole process from the procurement of raw materials, product production and circulation, product use, recycling of end-of-life products and final treatment and disposal are all based on low-carbon standards, forcing the supply-side structural reform to promote green and low-carbon development. The government can guide green and low-carbon consumption by setting up incentives and constraints, increasing the supply of green products, organizing government procurement, and taking the lead in policy measures, but the fundamental measure is to raise the public's awareness of environmental protection and consciously practice green and low-carbon consumption.

A Study on the Factors Influencing Household Consumption from a Money Demand Perspective: Evidence from Chinese Urban Residents

Based on the classic Keynesian theory of money demand and city panel data, in this study, we investigate the impacts of different money demand motives on urban household consumption in China, and provide ideas for promoting sustainable growth in household consumption in China. The results of this study show the following: First, in general, the theory of money demand motivation can adequately explain household consumption in large and medium-sized cities in China. Second, the CPI time series has a significant adverse effect on the real money demand of most households. Third, residents significantly reduce food consumption to satisfy speculative money demand for financial instruments, and the lower the income level, the keener households are to invest in high-risk stocks. Fourth, even for high-income households, the precautionary money demand generated via the purchase of commercial insurance still has a significant crowding-out effect on their total consumption. Social security spending, which reduces the precautionary money demand of households, has a much more positive impact on high-income households.