Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Emissions and Their Influencing Factors at the County Scale: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province, China

Xuanli Wang, Huifang Yu, Yiqun Wu (), Congyue Zhou, Yonghua Li, Xingyu Lai and Jiahao He
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Xuanli Wang: College of Art and Archaeology, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Huifang Yu: College of Art and Archaeology, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Yiqun Wu: College of Art and Archaeology, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Congyue Zhou: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Yonghua Li: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Xingyu Lai: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Jiahao He: College of Art and Archaeology, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: Significant carbon emissions, a key contributor to global climate warming, pose risks to ecosystems and human living conditions. It is crucial to monitor the spatial and temporal patterns of carbon emissions at the county level to reach the goals of carbon peak and neutrality. This study examines carbon emissions and economic and social problems data from 89 counties in Zhejiang Province. It employs analytical techniques such as LISA time path, spatio-temporal transition, and standard deviational ellipse to investigate the trends of carbon emissions from 2002 to 2022. Furthermore, it utilizes the GTWR model to evaluate the factors that influence these emissions on a county scale. The findings reveal the following: (1) The LISA time path analysis indicates a pronounced local spatial structure in the distribution of carbon emissions in Zhejiang Province from 2002 to 2022, characterized by increasing stability, notable path dependency, and some degree of spatial integration, albeit with a diminishing trend in overall integration. (2) The LISA spatio-temporal transition analysis indicates significant path dependency or lock-in effects in the county-level spatial clustering of carbon emissions. (3) Over the period 2002–2022, the centroid of carbon emissions in Zhejiang’s counties mainly oscillated between 120°55′15″ E and 120°57′01″ E and between 29°55′52″ N and 29°59′11″ N, with a general northeastward shift forming a “V” pattern. This shift resulted in a stable “northeast–southwest” spatial distribution. (4) Factors such as population size, urbanization rate, and economic development level predominantly accelerate carbon emissions, whereas industrial structure tends to curb them. It is crucial to customize carbon mitigation plans to suit the circumstances of each county. This study provides insight into the spatial and temporal patterns of carbon emissions at the county level in Zhejiang Province. It offers crucial guidance for developing targeted and practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions.

Keywords: county level; carbon emissions; spatio-temporal dynamic; influencing factors; Zhejiang (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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