How can China reach its CO2 intensity reduction targets by 2020? A regional allocation based on equity and development

Wen Jing Yi, Le Le Zou, Jie Guo, Kai Wang, Yi Ming Wei*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    227 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In late 2009, the Chinese government committed to cut its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) by 40% to 45% of 2005 levels by 2020. This has raised the issue of how to allocate the CO2 reduction target regionally to meet the national reduction target. To meet this objective, the following aspects may be taken into consideration: equity principles, 'common but differentiated responsibilities'; intensity reduction target fulfillment; and economic difference and reduction potential among provinces. This paper selects per capita GDP, accumulated fossil fuel related CO2 emissions and energy consumption per unit of industrial added value as indicators for emission reduction capacity, responsibility and potential, respectively. Based on these three indicators, a comprehensive index is developed and an intensity allocation model constructed. As decision makers may have different preferences when allocating the reduction burden, we allocate different weights to the indicators, analyzing the results using cluster analysis. The following aspects may also be considered together with the national regional development strategy to determine how to share the burden: the reduction potential of various regions; implementation potential of the plans; and promotion of a highly efficient low carbon economic development model.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2407-2415
    Number of pages9
    JournalEnergy Policy
    Volume39
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2011

    Keywords

    • CO intensity
    • Equity
    • Reduction target allocation

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