Examining the driving factors of energy related carbon emissions using the extended STIRPAT model based on IPAT identity in Xinjiang

Analysis of driving factors of energy related carbon emissions from the regional perspective is necessary and helpful for China to achieve its reduction targets. An extended STIRPAT model based on the classical IPAT identity was used to determine the main driving factors for energy related carbon emissions in Xinjiang. In order to get the best understanding of driving factors on carbon emissions during 1952–2012, we divided the process into 3 stages, such as “Before Reform and Opening up” (1952–1978), “After Reform and Opening up” (1978–2000), and “Western Development” (2000–2012). Research results show that the impacts and influences of various factors on carbon emissions are different in the three different development stages. Before the Reform and Opening up (1952–1977), carbon intensity and population size are the two dominant contributors to the carbon emissions increments, while energy consumption structure is the important influencing factor in curbing carbon emissions. After the Reform and Opening up (1978–2000), economic growth and population size are the two dominant contributors to the carbon emissions increments, while carbon intensity plays the important negative effect on carbon emissions. During the Western Development (2001–2012), fixed assets investment and economic growth are the two dominant contributors to the carbon emissions increments, while carbon intensity plays the important negative effect on carbon emissions. Solving these problems effectively will be of great help for Xinjiang to harmonize economic growth and carbon emissions reduction, even environmental damage reduction.