Spatial Econometric Analysis of China´s Provincial CO2 Emissions

Based on the STIRPAT model and spatial autoregressive models, this paper investigates the energy-related CO₂ emissions of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2006 and the underlying driving forces. The result shows that there exists spatial interdependence of the provincial CO₂ emission, and the energy intensity, population growth and economic development level are the main contributors to CO₂ emissions, while urbanization is not an inevitable factor. We also find that the provincial CO₂ emissions show the pattern of spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity at the same time, which means that we must take into account the spatial interaction mechanism when adopt the proactive policies and measures regarding environmental protection and energy consumption.