China's pathway to low‐carbon development

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore China's current policy and policy options regarding the shift to a low‐carbon (LC) development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses both a literature review and empirical systems analysis of the trends of socio‐economic conditions, carbon emissions and development of innovation capacities in China.

Findings

The analysis shows that a holistic solution and co‐benefit approach are needed for China's transition to a green and LC economy, and that, especially for developing countries, it is not enough to have only goals regarding mitigation and adaptation. Instead, a concrete roadmap towards a LC future is needed that addresses key issues of technology transfer, institutional arrangements and sharing the costs in the context of a global climate regime. In this light, it is argued that China should adopt an approach for low‐carbon development centred on carbon intensity reduction over the next ten years.

Originality/value

The paper thus provides a unique summary, in English, of the arguments supporting China's current low‐carbon innovation policies from one of the authors of this policy.

Citation

Wang, Y. (2010), "China's pathway to low‐carbon development", Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 242-252. https://doi.org/10.1108/17561411011077882