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The Impact of Dual Environmental Regulations on Carbon Intensity: A Global Perspective

Author

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  • Jianshi Wang

    (College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
    Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    Key Lab for Environmental Computation and Sustainability of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

  • Han Li

    (School of Finance, Dongbei University of Financial and Economics, Dalian 116025, China)

  • Chengxin Wang

    (College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China)

  • Wanxia Ren

    (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    Key Lab for Environmental Computation and Sustainability of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emissions are a leading cause of global warming, posing significant threats to both the natural environment and the sustainable development of global economies and societies. Environmental regulations have been crucial in reducing these emissions and improving ecological conditions. This study presents the first theoretical analysis of the mechanisms through which formal and informal environmental regulations influence carbon intensity. A panel data model was constructed to empirically test and analyze the impact of these regulations on carbon intensity across 118 countries. The findings reveal that both formal and informal environmental regulations exerted a reduced influence on global carbon emission intensity, affirming their significance in promoting energy conservation and emission reduction. Moreover, a synergistic effect was observed between the two types of regulations, indicating that their coordinated enforcement could further mitigate carbon emission intensity. Regional analysis revealed that formal environmental regulation exhibited a dampening effect on carbon emission intensity in both high- and low-carbon countries. However, the moderating impact of informal environmental regulation was found to be markedly stronger in low-carbon countries compared to their high-carbon counterparts. The synergy between these two forms of regulation had a more pronounced influence on the carbon emission intensity of high-carbon countries, underscoring their potent emission reduction effect when implemented in tandem. The insights gained from this study can aid policymakers in developing effective environmental policies aimed at realizing energy conservation and emission reduction goals, thereby contributing to the mitigation of global warming and the promotion of sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianshi Wang & Han Li & Chengxin Wang & Wanxia Ren, 2025. "The Impact of Dual Environmental Regulations on Carbon Intensity: A Global Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1446-:d:1587840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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