By combining data from population growth, energy intensity per unit of GDP, per capita GDP, and emission per unit of energy consumed, researchers determined the major drivers of energy-related CO 2 emissions in China since 1978, when the country experienced significant economic reforms, and found that economic growth followed by population growth were the biggest contributors to a 6-fold increase in energy-related CO 2 emissions; carbon and energy intensity slowed growth of energy-related CO 2 emissions, suggesting that although emissions may continue to increase, the growth rate is likely to remain low.
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Article #19-08513: "Drivers of change in China's energy-related CO 2 emissions," by Xiaoqi Zheng et al .
MEDIA CONTACT: Yonglong Lu, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, CHINA; tel: +86-013601335183; email: yllu@rcees.ac.cn ; Nils Chr. Stenseth, University of Oslo, NORWAY; tel: +47-22854584, +47-22854400; email: n.c.stenseth@mn.uio.no
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences