Quantitative and visual analysis-based framework for dual carbon-oriented policies: Evidence from mainland China

Amidst the escalating threat of global warming driven by carbon emissions, China has pledged to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, known as the dual carbon strategy. However, existing research on dual carbon-oriented policies lacks a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, especially combining quantitative and visual methods. To address this gap, this study examines dual carbon-oriented policies in mainland China using a framework integrating quantitative and visual analysis. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of these policies and provide valuable insights for their enhancement. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Approach (PRISMA) for policy collection, followed by content analysis, Social Network Analysis (SNA), and the Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) index model, this study conducts a quantitative and visual examination of the directly related policies across three dimensions: policy subjects, structures, and tools. The findings highlight the dominance of national-level policy subjects, notable regional variations in policy issuance, and a prediction for demand-side policy tools. Through PMC evaluation, pathways for policy enhancement are pinpointed, such as bolstering long-term planning, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and improving regional policy coordination. Accordingly, pathway-dependent suggestions are provided, emphasizing comprehensive national planning, clarified policy objectives, and region-specific improvements aligned with identified deficiencies. This study contributes to the advancement of dual carbon-oriented policies in China and the global pursuit of sustainable development.