Chinaâs emissions examined by collaboration with Peking University
A joint research collaboration with one of MyAV·¶âs Strategic Partners, Peking University, examined the impact of the global financial crisis on Chinaâs economy â and how that affected its CO2 emissions.
26 February 2021
Dr Zhifu Mi (MyAV·¶ Bartlett School) collaborated with colleague Professor Shu Tao (College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, PKU) on a joint research project exploring how Chinaâs economy affected its carbon emissions.
âThe economy of China was affected by the 2008 global financial crisis, resulting in a gradual decline in economic growth,â says Dr Mi. âAfterwards; the country entered a new phase of economic development â a new normal â in which its economic development mode changed greatly.â
The joint project â Chinaâs Carbon Emissions in the New Development Phase â estimated Chinaâs production-based and consumption-based carbon emissions in this ânew normalâ and explored the driving factors behind emission changes.
The team analysed multiple factors, from economic growth and energy efficiency, to industrial structure and population.
Patterns and pathways of Chinaâs emissions have large impacts on global climate change mitigation.
The joint research revealed that Chinaâs annual growth in carbon emissions declined from 10% (2002â2012) to 0.3% (2012â2017).
The team be attributed the recent slowdown in emission growth to Chinaâs decelerating annual growth rate of gross domestic product per capita from 12% (2002â2012) to 6% (2012â2017). âWe found that gains in energy efficiency were the most important contributing factor, offsetting the increase by 49% during 2012â2017,â added Dr Mi.
The project received a grant from the MyAV·¶-PKU Strategic Partner Funds, which supports researchers at MyAV·¶ and PKU who are collaborating to address global challenges. The Funds are part of MyAV·¶âs deep strategic partnership with Peking University (PKU).