Carbon intensity and emission reduction potential in China: spatial measuring method

Abstract

This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of CO 2 emissions intensity and energy intensity in China by using spatial measuring method from 2000 to 2013 and estimates the potential for CO 2 emissions reduction. The results obtained in this study include: (1) Both CO 2 emissions intensity and energy intensity are declining; (2) the spatial distribution of carbon emission intensity and energy intensity in China shows the characteristics of lower from north to south; (3) China’s total growth of energy consumption and carbon emissions is clearly slowing, which will peak before 2030; the carbon emission reduction potential in China is great with 167,316.91 million tons, and Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Hebei have the greatest potential to reduce CO 2 emissions with 29,885.8 Mt, 32,704.49 Mt and 34,222.1 Mt, respectively; (4) the differences of CO 2 emissions intensity and energy intensity among provinces are distinctive. This study can provide a reference for the sustainable development of China’s energy and environment.