Analyzing the Effect of Carbon Emission Regulations and Policy Tools in China on Reducing Emissions

In China, whilst various policies have been implemented to mitigate carbon emissions in different periods, a lack of appropriate research and a narrow research perspective have manifested as the principal problems in past studies. In this study, China’s carbon emission policies were analyzed using dual-dimensional content analysis, the key characteristics are identified, and solutions are proposed to address the existing challenges. Content analysis was used for estimating the policy objectives; as a result, the findings of this study indicate that China’s carbon emission regulations can be divided into three distinct phases: the budding stage (2007–2013), the initial development period (2014–2018), and the rapid development period (2019–present). During this regulatory evolution, a significant concentration of authority was observed within specific sectors, particularly in the National Energy Administration and the National Development and Reform Commission; meanwhile, the level of cross-sectoral collaboration has remained insufficient. The primary regulatory instruments consist of notifications and advisory opinions, with a noticeable lack of enforceable, high-level legislation, highlighting the need for greater regulatory attention. Furthermore, China’s approach to the reduction in carbon emissions predominantly relies on mandatory command-and-control policy tools, with the key objectives focusing on quantitative control and management, sectoral emission regulations, and adjustments to the energy structure.