Spatiotemporal differences of population spatial equilibrium in urban agglomeration and its carbon emission reduction effect: A case study in China

Abstract

Seeking a scientific and reasonable population structure is the key to realizing low-carbon and green development of urban agglomerations. Based on the coupled coordination degree model and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), this paper studied the spatiotemporal differences of population spatial equilibrium in Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration, and constructed a nonlinear dynamic panel econometric model and quantile regression model to empirically test the carbon emission reduction effect and its heterogeneity of the population spatial equilibrium. The research conclusions are as follows: First, the population spatial equilibrium index of Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration shows an upward trend in time, but the overall level is not high and the internal gap is obvious. In space, it presents a situation of concentration in the central urban area of Changsha. Second, the carbon emissions of Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration have obvious dynamic inertia and path-dependent characteristics. That is, the carbon emissions of the previous period will significantly promote the carbon emissions of the current period. Third, the carbon emission reduction effect of population spatial equilibrium has the characteristics of an inverted “U” shape, and the population spatial equilibrium index in most areas is too low to achieve carbon emission reduction. Fourth, the legal environment helps to promote the spatial balance of population, thereby reducing the regional total carbon emissions, per capita carbon emissions and carbon emissions per unit area. Last, Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration needs to improve the level of economic development and government expenditure to realize the carbon emission reduction effect. In general, Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration should take into account the development of economy and environment in the process of improving the level of population space balance, so as to achieve a win-win situation for economy and environment.

Threshold Effects of Digital Economy on Tourism Carbon Emissions: Empirical Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China

“…Lately, the global concern over climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions has garnered significant international focus. Escalating CO 2 emissions have resulted in regular climatic irregularities and severe global climate catastrophes, making tackling worldwide climate change a widespread human challenge [1]. A variety of initiatives to counteract worldwide greenhouse gas emissions have been initiated by the global community, with the Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen Conference, and Paris Agreement, among other accords and symposiums, actively working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.…”

“…Furthermore, projections indicate that by 2025, the worldwide tourism sector will see a carbon footprint increase of over 40% annually, with CO2 emissions surpassing 6.5 billion tons. The World Tourism Organization's latest study indicates a projected rise in worldwide carbon emissions from tourism transport, projected to climb from 1,597 million tons in 2016 to 1,998 million tons by 2030, representing 5.3% of all human-made CO2 emissions 1 . Clearly, the tourism industry is expected to exceed the majority of economic sectors in contributing significantly to upcoming global carbon emissions.…”

“…Tourism revenue reached 1.3 trillion yuan, an increase of 69.5% yearon-year. With tourism becoming a new growth point of our country's economic and social development, 1 Please refer to the Climate Change and Environment section of United Nations News on December 4, 2019. https://news. un.org/zh/story/2019/12/1046761 large-scale development and tourism activities will inevitably bring a large amount of energy consumption and CO 2 emissions.…”