How do geographical factors affect energy-related carbon emissions? A Chinese panel analysis

Socioeconomic effects on energy-related carbon emissions have been well studied, but understanding the effects of geographical factors on energy-related carbon emissions is also crucial for decision makers that are developing strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, an econometrics panel model was used to explore the effects of regional natural resources using per capita fossil fuel energy production as an indicator on energy-related carbon emissions in Chinese provinces. An area's economic development, energy mix, industrial structure, and technological issues were used as control variables. Regional fossil fuel energy production was shown to significantly influence regional energy-related carbon emissions both nationally and regionally in China; this influence initially decreased as the economy grew rapidly. Thus, developing provinces should focus on restructuring their industrial systems, improving techniques for decreasing carbon emissions, and regulating fossil fuel energy inputs. At higher levels of economic development, the influence of a region's fossil fuel energy production on its energy-related carbon emissions increased again, indicating that developed provinces should concentrate on addressing the types fossil fuel energy that is imported (increasing imports of low carbon energy), and increasing public awareness of environmental problems. The large exports from regions with abundant resources meant that these regions exhibited the weakest link between fossil fuel energy production and energy related carbon emissions. Governments in these regions should develop policies to control fossil fuel exploration and develop reasonable measures to mitigate energy-related carbon emissions that take local factors into account.