The Carbon Emission Intensity of Industrial Land in China: Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Factors

Abstract

CO2 emission reduction has become a consensus all around the world. This paper investigates the spatiotemporal characteristics of industrial land carbon emission intensity (ILCEI) in China by spatial autocorrelation analysis, and applies the spatial Durbin model to reveal the influence of driving factors on ILCEI. The results indicate the following: (1) national ILCEI first shows a downward and then an upward trend during the period and presents a low pattern in both Eastern and Northeastern regions and a high pattern in the Northwestern region. (2) From a global perspective, ILCEI shows significant spatial agglomeration characteristics; from a local perspective, ILCEI is dominated by H-H and L-L agglomeration types, showing that spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependence are apparent in ILCEI. (3) ILCEI is significantly negatively affected by both R & D personnel and foreign-trade dependence, while urban population density notably has positive impacts on ILCEI. This paper is a beneficial policy practice for harmonizing the contradiction between industrial land expansion and carbon discharge.