What the study found
The study found that environmental decentralization associated with China’s carbon emissions trading pilot policy was an obstacle to energy eco-efficiency. It also found that the negative effects were mainly linked to technological upgrading and industrial restructuring.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that, for economic development and ecological efficiency, stronger multilevel environmental governance, better policy coherence, cleaner energy technologies, a more advanced industrial structure, and improved interregional cooperation are needed. The study suggests these measures may help address the negative local effects it identified.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed panel data from 257 Chinese cities covering 2007 to 2020. They measured energy ecological efficiency using a super efficiency SBM model, built an environmental decentralization index with the entropy method, and used difference-in-differences, fixed-effects, mediation, and threshold regression models.
What worked and what didn't
The results suggest that decentralization brought about by the carbon emissions trading pilot policy had a negative effect on energy efficiency. The abstract also states that many positive secondary and spillover effects of environmental decentralization were beneficial for energy efficiency, especially in relation to carbon trading, but the local negative effects were described as important.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not provide detailed model coefficients, effect sizes, or statistical significance levels. It also does not describe any limitations beyond the scope of the data and methods used.
Key points
- The study examined 257 Chinese cities from 2007 to 2020.
- Environmental decentralization linked to the carbon emissions trading pilot policy was found to hinder energy eco-efficiency.
- The main negative pathways were technological upgrading and industrial restructuring.
- Threshold regression suggested the adverse effects became stronger after industrial upgrading passed a threshold.
- The abstract also notes positive secondary and spillover effects, especially tied to carbon trading.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Environmental decentralization hindered energy eco-efficiency in China
- Authors:
- Zhaoyang Lu, Jianglai Dong, Diao Gou, Hailong Feng, Nan Li
- Institutions:
- Southwest University of Political Science & Law, Southwest University of Political Science & Law, Southwest University of Political Science & Law, Southwest University of Political Science & Law, Southwest University of Political Science & Law
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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