Carbon emission reduction rffects of innovative city pilot policy: a quasi-natural experiment from China

Abstract

Abstract Environmental economics theory suggests that the technological effects of increased innovation capacity can drive both stable economic growth and act as a major way to mitigate regional environmental pollution levels. This is the reason why science and technology innovation is the key to achieving low-carbon and green development. This study aimed to examine the influence of China's pilot policy for innovative cities on the emissions of greenhouse gases and its operational mechanism. By employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, we successfully examined the impact of the policy on the nation's carbon peaking. The study findings indicated that the adoption of the urban pilot policy can effectively decelerate the increase of carbon emissions in cities. Additionally, the policy has a more pronounced impact on reducing emissions in major urban areas and provinces. The mechanism test revealed that the policy can help reduce the urban carbon emissions by implementing various technological innovations and spatial intensification. The results of this research offer significant theoretical backing for the adoption of the urban pilot policy and encourage the advancement of eco-friendly growth in Chinese urban areas.