CO2 emission characteristics and reduction responsibility of industrial subsectors in China

Industrial subsectors have an important role in reducing China's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The present study analyzes the CO2 emission characteristics of selected subsectors. Results show that the electric and heat power sector is the major industrial CO2 emitter, and CO2 emissions of most sectors present huge inter-provincial and inter-regional differences. Then, the CO2 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. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.