Carbon intensity and emission reduction potential in China : spatial measuring method

This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of CO2 emissions intensity and energy intensity in China by using spatial measuring method from 2000 to 2013 and estimates the potential for CO2 emissions reduction. The results obtained in this study include: (1) Both CO2 emissions intensity and energy intensity are declining; (2) the spatial distribution of carbon emission intensity and energy intensity in China shows the characteristics of lower from north to south; (3) China’s total growth of energy consumption and carbon emissions is clearly slowing, which will peak before 2030; the carbon emission reduction potential in China is great with 167,316.91 million tons, and Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Hebei have the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions with 29,885.8 Mt, 32,704.49 Mt and 34,222.1 Mt, respectively; (4) the differences of CO2 emissions intensity and energy intensity among provinces are distinctive. This study can provide a reference for the sustainable development of China’s energy and environment.