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Goal setting for low-carbon development in regional China: role of achievement in the last term

Author

Listed:
  • Tingru Yang

    (Beijing Institute of Technology
    Beijing Institute of Technology
    Sustainable Development Research Institute for Economy and Society of Beijing
    Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Economics and Environmental Management)

  • Hua Liao

    (Beijing Institute of Technology
    Beijing Institute of Technology
    Sustainable Development Research Institute for Economy and Society of Beijing
    Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Economics and Environmental Management)

  • Yi-Ming Wei

    (Beijing Institute of Technology
    Beijing Institute of Technology
    Sustainable Development Research Institute for Economy and Society of Beijing
    Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Economics and Environmental Management)

Abstract

Low-carbon goals significantly vary in regions and periods. This study analyzes the goal setting at prefecture level in China. It shows that the low-carbon achievement in the last term significantly affects the setting of subsequent goal. Specifically, 1% increase in the achievement of low-carbon goals in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011–2015) decreased the goals in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020) by 0.35–1.09%. In addition, the goals in low-carbon pilot cities are less ambitious than those in non-pilot ones. It is suggested to weigh more on low-carbon development when evaluating the performance of local authorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Tingru Yang & Hua Liao & Yi-Ming Wei, 2023. "Goal setting for low-carbon development in regional China: role of achievement in the last term," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(9), pages 10197-10215, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:25:y:2023:i:9:d:10.1007_s10668-022-02483-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02483-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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