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The decoupling states of CO2 emissions in the Chinese transport sector from 1994 to 2012: A perspective on fuel types

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  • Dayong Wu
  • Changwei Yuan
  • Hongchao Liu

Abstract

This paper analyzes the decoupling states between CO 2 emissions and transport development in China from 1994 to 2012. The results indicate that, at the aggregate level, the Chinese transport sector is far from reaching the decoupling state. Negative decoupling or non-decoupling years account for 72.2% of the study period. At the disaggregated level, the decoupling states between CO 2 emissions and eight primary fuels are as follows: raw coal and coke are in the absolute decoupling state; crude oil, gasoline and diesel are in the weak negative state; and the other three types (kerosene, heavy fuel oil, and natural gas) are in the strong negative decoupling state. Policy implications underneath the identified decoupling states are also revealed to help China build a more sustainable transportation system.

Suggested Citation

  • Dayong Wu & Changwei Yuan & Hongchao Liu, 2018. "The decoupling states of CO2 emissions in the Chinese transport sector from 1994 to 2012: A perspective on fuel types," Energy & Environment, , vol. 29(4), pages 591-612, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:29:y:2018:i:4:p:591-612
    DOI: 10.1177/0958305X18756669
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    Cited by:

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    2. Esteban Lopez-Arboleda & Alfonso T. Sarmiento & Laura M. Cardenas, 2019. "Systematic Review of Integrated Sustainable Transportation Models for Electric Passenger Vehicle Diffusion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-19, April.
    3. Li, Li & Shan, Yuli & Lei, Yalin & Wu, Sanmang & Yu, Xiang & Lin, Xiyan & Chen, Yupei, 2019. "Decoupling of economic growth and emissions in China’s cities: A case study of the Central Plains urban agglomeration," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C), pages 36-45.
    4. Wang, Bo & Sun, Yefei & Chen, Qingxiang & Wang, Zhaohua, 2018. "Determinants analysis of carbon dioxide emissions in passenger and freight transportation sectors in China," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 127-132.

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