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Driving Paths and Evolution Trends of Urban Low-Carbon Transformation: Configuration Analysis Based on Three Batches of Low-Carbon Pilot Cities

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  • You-Dong Li

    (School of Business Administration, Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics, Hohhot 010070, China)

  • Chen-Li Yan

    (School of Business Administration, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing 100070, China)

Abstract

In response to global climate challenges, urban low-carbon transformation has become a critical strategy for sustainable development. This study constructs a theoretical model for urban low-carbon transformation using the multi-level perspective framework. We focused on three batches of low-carbon pilot cities in China and employed fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to investigate the transformation pathways and impact mechanisms during the periods 2010–2012, 2012–2017, and 2017–2019. The results indicate that none of the six antecedent conditions is necessary for urban low-carbon transformation. Initially, the transformation is primarily driven by a pathway led by low-carbon industries. In the mid-stage, two pathways emerge: one dominated by the combination of low-carbon industries and research and development (R&D) human capital and another led by low-carbon consumption awareness and economic development levels. In the later stage, the influencing factors involve a combination across micro, meso, and macro levels, reflecting an increasingly diversified and intricate configuration. The regional industrial structure consistently plays a dominant role, while awareness of low-carbon consumption has grown over time. This study not only enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms but also provides practical policy recommendations for local governments to tailor their strategies for effective low-carbon transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • You-Dong Li & Chen-Li Yan, 2024. "Driving Paths and Evolution Trends of Urban Low-Carbon Transformation: Configuration Analysis Based on Three Batches of Low-Carbon Pilot Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7630-:d:1470269
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xin Ma & Hong Jiang & Lijuan Tong & Jingyi Zhang & Mengyuan Dong, 2023. "Sustainability of the New Energy Automobile Industry: Examining the Relationship among Government Subsidies, R&D Intensity, and Innovation Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Qianqi Xu & Peng Xu & Cunkuan Bao, 2023. "Multifaceted Pathways of Carbon Emission Reduction Policies: A Study Based on the Decoupling Effect and fsQCA Method in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Tan, Sieting & Yang, Jin & Yan, Jinyue & Lee, Chewtin & Hashim, Haslenda & Chen, Bin, 2017. "A holistic low carbon city indicator framework for sustainable development," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P2), pages 1919-1930.
    4. Wang, Chao & Zhan, Jinyan & Xin, Zhongling, 2020. "Comparative analysis of urban ecological management models incorporating low-carbon transformation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
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