CO 2 emission characteristics and reduction responsibility of industrial subsectors in China

Abstract(#br)Industrial subsectors have an important role in reducing China’s carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. The present study analyzes the CO 2 emission characteristics of selected subsectors. Results show that the electric and heat power sector is the major industrial CO 2 emitter, and CO 2 emissions of most sectors present huge inter-provincial and inter-regional differences. Then, the CO 2 emission reduction responsibility of provincial-level industrial subsectors is confirmed by the decoupling model. Results show that the development of a low-carbon economy in the nonmetal sector is ideal, and the economic growth in Shanxi and Guizhou is moving toward a low-carbon and energy-saving mode. Moreover, the subsectors that each province should focus on are identified. Finally, constructive suggestions for policymakers to promote low-carbon economy and sustainable development are provided