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How does household engagement in the public-welfare carbon generalized system of preferences affect household carbon emissions? Evidence from ant forest and household survey data in China

Author

Listed:
  • Chi, Yuanying
  • Wu, Yuxi
  • Zhang, Yanzhao
  • Wang, Zhengzao
  • Zhang, Mengwan
  • Zhang, Xufeng

Abstract

The Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP) is an innovative mechanism proposed in China to quantify households' energy-saving and carbon-reducing behaviors and provide corresponding incentives. This mechanism is significant for promoting low-carbon consumption and fostering green and sustainable lifestyles. This study examines the influence of household engagement in the Public Welfare-oriented Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (PW-CGSP) on household carbon mitigation. The 2016 version of Ant Forest, an online public welfare project, was adopted as a quasi-natural experiment, and a generalized difference-in-differences model using household data from the 2014–2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) was employed. The findings reveal that, first, participation in Ant Forest significantly curbs the growth of household carbon emissions (HCE). This conclusion remains robust after applying machine learning methods and various robustness checks. Second, the carbon-reduction effects of participation exhibit heterogeneity across space, household characteristics, and consumption structure. Specifically, the effect is stronger in urban than in rural areas and is more pronounced in the eastern and northeastern regions. Moreover, small-scale households experience relatively large reductions. From the perspective of household consumption structure, strong suppressive effects is observed on HCE from household appliances and supplies, and food consumption. Finally, participation in Ant Forest partly reduces HCE by enhancing environmental awareness among household members. The study outlines policy recommendations, including adopting gamification designs to further incentivize user behavior and developing differentiated mechanisms tailored to local conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Chi, Yuanying & Wu, Yuxi & Zhang, Yanzhao & Wang, Zhengzao & Zhang, Mengwan & Zhang, Xufeng, 2025. "How does household engagement in the public-welfare carbon generalized system of preferences affect household carbon emissions? Evidence from ant forest and household survey data in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:152:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325007893
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108962
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