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Insight into Policy Structure and Key Characteristics of China’s Low-Carbon Policy System: Based on Text Mining Method

Author

Listed:
  • Jinhua Xu

    (Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
    School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Xueying Wang

    (Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
    School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Yuanyuan Wang

    (School of Economics and Management, North China Institute of Science and Technology, Langfang 065201, China)

Abstract

Developing a comprehensive low-carbon policy system is essential for China to achieve both the “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality” milestones, significantly contributing to sustainable development. However, research on low-carbon policy predominantly emphasizes policy tools, implementation paths, and implementation effects, neglecting the comprehensive analysis of the systemic structure and evolutionary traits of such policy frameworks. To address the above problems, this study elucidates the structure, evolutionary stages, and key characteristics of low-carbon policies issued from 2007 to 2022 through text mining methods. Results show that: (1) China’s low-carbon policies progress through three distinct stages: initial exploration stage (2007–2015), accelerated advancement stage (2016–2019), and comprehensive implementation stage (2020–2022). (2) China’s “1 + N” policy system covers a broad spectrum of sectors, including energy, industry, construction, transportation, and finance, ensuring comprehensive coverage across various domains of policy. (3) The policy spotlight has progressively shifted from environmental protection to low-carbon development, emphasizing carbon market construction and innovative development. According to the key findings, this study provides recommendations that encompass crucial aspects such as accelerating technological innovation, strengthening carbon market mechanisms, and promoting green finance. Overall, the textual analysis of the low-carbon policy system in this study underscores the significance of policy structural coordination and evolution, offering insights for shaping China’s future roadmap in advancing low-carbon objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinhua Xu & Xueying Wang & Yuanyuan Wang, 2024. "Insight into Policy Structure and Key Characteristics of China’s Low-Carbon Policy System: Based on Text Mining Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:6183-:d:1438825
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wu, Yinyin & Wang, Ping & Liu, Xin & Chen, Jiandong & Song, Malin, 2020. "Analysis of regional carbon allocation and carbon trading based on net primary productivity in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    2. Cao, Jing & Ho, Mun S. & Ma, Rong & Teng, Fei, 2021. "When carbon emission trading meets a regulated industry: Evidence from the electricity sector of China," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    3. Lin, Boqiang & Jia, Zhijie, 2017. "The impact of Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and the choice of coverage industry in ETS: A case study in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 1512-1527.
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    1. Xue, Feng & Liang, Jielin & Zeng, Yu & Ma, Xiaochen, 2025. "Evaluating the low-carbon operation of high-speed rail and unveiling obstacles: A case study of Beijing-Shanghai HSR," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 916-932.

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