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Cross-regional economic impact of carbon emission regulations: A quantitative spatial equilibrium model for China

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  • Chen, Dongxu
  • Huang, Yin
  • Tan, Nairong
  • Hong, Tao
  • Ma, Tao

Abstract

We develop and quantitatively evaluate a spatial general equilibrium model that incorporates carbon emission regulations. We study the impact of emission regulation on the economies of regions within a country under climate change mitigation goals, and how the impact of emission regulation in one region influences other regions through regional‒sectoral linkages. The model is calibrated using Chinese regional and sectoral data, and several counterfactual exercises are performed. The results indicate that undifferentiated increases in emission regulation across regions have resulted in inter-regional differences in real GDP changes; however, “equity-oriented” regionally differentiated emissions regulations reduce this imbalance. Regarding interactions between regions, negative impacts on the economy are characterized by geographical proximity, whereas positive impacts are not geographically constrained. Sectoral linkages exacerbate the negative economic impacts of emission regulations and widen regional disparities. Additionally, we demonstrate the extended application of our model through two case studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Dongxu & Huang, Yin & Tan, Nairong & Hong, Tao & Ma, Tao, 2024. "Cross-regional economic impact of carbon emission regulations: A quantitative spatial equilibrium model for China," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 438-462.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:69:y:2024:i:c:p:438-462
    DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2024.03.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Quantitative spatial economics; Emission regulation; Regional economic changes; Input–output linkages; Climate change policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R13 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General Equilibrium and Welfare Economic Analysis of Regional Economies
    • R15 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Econometric and Input-Output Models; Other Methods

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