Multi-dimensional inequality and energy-carbon technology-related driver of China’s CO2 emission

Abstract

As the largest emitter of CO₂, China’s decarbonization efforts have garnered increasing global attention. This study aims to investigate the drivers of carbon inequality that refers to which usually refers to CO₂ emissions between regions or groups across different energy sources and economic sectors, as well as the heterogeneous drivers of energy-carbon technology (e.g., technological changes in energy use and CO₂ emissions). Despite limited attention to these issues, they are crucial for developing effective emission reduction policies for sustainable development. Utilizing the Gini coefficient and production-theoretical decomposition models, we analyze the latest carbon emission inventory of China over 1997–2021, focusing on 17 energy sources and 46 economic sectors. The findings indicate that traditional fossil fuels, such as raw coal, coke, gasoline, and diesel, continue to be the primary contributors to carbon inequality. Production and supply of electric power, steam, and hot water sectors emerge as the largest drivers of carbon inequality among all sectors. Additionally, the potential for energy intensity to reduce emissions has grown increasingly significant, whereas other factors related to efficiency and technology in energy use and CO₂ emissions have shown variability over time. This study underscores the importance of developing differentiated emission reduction policies tailored to specific energy sources and economic sectors in China.