An LMDI-Based Analysis of Carbon Emission Changes in China’s Waterway Transportation Sector

Shanshan Zheng (), Cheng Chen and Sikai Xie
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Shanshan Zheng: School of International Economics and Trade, Fujian Business University, Fuzhou 350012, China
Cheng Chen: College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Sikai Xie: College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: The waterway transportation industry, recognized for its high capacity, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency, plays a vital role in global freight transport and trade. In China, it serves as a key pillar supporting the national economy and foreign trade. However, its heavy dependence on fossil fuels has intensified carbon emission challenges, creating significant barriers to achieving sustainable development goals. This study employs Input-Output Analysis and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index model to examine the changes in carbon emissions and their driving factors in China’s waterway transportation industry from 2002 to 2020, while also exploring potential pathways for emission reduction. The findings reveal the following: (1) From 2002 to 2020, despite a substantial rise in total carbon emissions, the industry has been progressively transitioning towards a low-carbon trajectory through the adoption of clean energy technologies and optimization of its energy structure. (2) Economic scale effects have been the primary drivers of carbon emission growth, with population-scale effects playing a lesser role. Since 2011, the implementation of green technologies and low-carbon management strategies has effectively stabilized emission growth rates. (3) Improvements in energy carbon intensity and transportation energy intensity have significantly reduced carbon emissions. Moreover, the promotion of clean energy technologies and energy-saving measures has substantially lowered the industry’s carbon emission intensity.

Keywords: waterway transportation; input-output analysis; carbon emissions; logarithmic mean Divisia index decomposition; green development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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