Design (Allocation) of a Carbon Emission System—A Lesson from Power Restrictions in Zhejiang, China

Abstract

This paper discusses how to design (allocate) a city-level carbon emission system, considering the recent outbreak (end of 2020) of electricity consumption restrictions in a few cities in Zhejiang, China. Although these measures aimed to achieve environmental goals, they had a certain negative impact on residents’ lives and foreign trade production. This paper argues that local authorities should be more flexible in formulating performance targets, incorporate interactive feedback in performance management, and utilize assessment results and better government internal control. This paper proposes a (national) strategic plan to achieve carbon control through the implementation of a circular economy, such as the design of a carbon emission system considering the economic development (supporting industry) in each city and a city-level carbon trading market.