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Mitigation policies interactions delay the achievement of carbon neutrality in China

Author

Listed:
  • Yu Liu

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

  • Mingxi Du

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Lingyu Yang

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qi Cui

    (China University of Petroleum)

  • Yawen Liu

    (University of International Business and Economics)

  • Xinbei Li

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Nenggao Zhu

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ying Li

    (Chinese Academy of Personnel Science)

  • Chen Jiang

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Peng Zhou

    (China University of Petroleum)

  • Qiuyu Liu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Canfei He

    (Peking University)

Abstract

The achievement of China’s carbon neutrality is crucial for the 1.5 °C target of the Paris Agreement and must involve the implementation of various mitigation policies. However, these efforts are hindered by poor knowledge of the interactions between policies. Here we use a dynamic computable general equilibrium model of China (CEEGE model) and create a policy portfolio area of 1,295 scenarios covering four major mitigation strategies (carbon pricing, energy efficiency, renewable energy and electrification of end uses). When the interactions between mitigation policies are considered, the percentage of scenarios in which the carbon neutrality target is reached by 2060 decreases by 84%, with the years in which these scenarios are achieved being delayed by 5–6 years. Only the combinations with renewable energy and electrification of end uses generate synergetic effects on both economic and mitigation impacts. Our work can inform the formulation of more efficient mitigation policy portfolios by emphasizing policy interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Liu & Mingxi Du & Lingyu Yang & Qi Cui & Yawen Liu & Xinbei Li & Nenggao Zhu & Ying Li & Chen Jiang & Peng Zhou & Qiuyu Liu & Canfei He, 2025. "Mitigation policies interactions delay the achievement of carbon neutrality in China," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 15(2), pages 147-152, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:15:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1038_s41558-024-02237-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02237-2
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