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Administrative-led urbanization and urban carbon emission intensity: Evidence from city-county merger in China

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  • Qiao, Junfeng
  • Li, Yuan
  • Yu, Jie

Abstract

Cities in China are concentrated areas of energy consumption and carbon emission. Thus, controlling urban carbon emission intensity is the key to achieving “carbon neutrality” and “carbon peak” goals. Administrative urbanization, for which city–county merger (CCM) plays an important role, is yet to be examined to understand whether it intensified carbon emissions. This study uses panel data of 269 cities from 2008 to 2019 and staggered difference-in-differences method to analyze the impact of administrative-led urbanization on urban carbon emission intensity. The results reveal that the CCM significantly increased urban carbon emission intensity. A mechanism test shows that the CCM can increase carbon emission intensity by inhibiting industrial structure upgrading and promoting urban infrastructure construction. Heterogeneity analysis shows that there is no significant regional difference in carbon intensity; however, regional difference has a more significant positive impact on carbon intensity of sub-provincial cities, general prefecture-level cities, and strong counties with districts.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiao, Junfeng & Li, Yuan & Yu, Jie, 2024. "Administrative-led urbanization and urban carbon emission intensity: Evidence from city-county merger in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:136:y:2024:i:c:s0140988324003232
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2024.107615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Wang, Changyan & Wu, Shuping & Zheng, Jiaxin, 2025. "Administrative division adjustments, road infrastructure integration, and traffic flow equalization: Evidence from city–county mergers in China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    5. Xiaolin Yu & Kai Wan, 2025. "Can removing regional barriers reduce carbon emissions in border regions? Quasi-natural experiments from China," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 1-29, April.

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