A driving–driven perspective on the key carbon emission sectors in China

Recognition of key emission sectors is crucial for carbon reduction. This study identifies key emission sectors and analyzes driving and driven effects of these sectors in the context of China. The Input–Output approach is used to identify key emission sectors. The data used for analysis are collected from Input–Output Table and Energy Statistical Yearbook issued by the National Bureau of Statistics of China for the period of 1990–2012. Three types of key emission sectors are classified in this study, namely overall key sectors, driving-dominant sectors, and driven-dominant sectors. The major overall key emission sectors include Coal Mining and Dressing; Petroleum Processing and Coking; Chemical Products; Metals Smelting and Pressing; Production and Supply of Electric Power, Gas and Water; and Transportation, Storage, Postal and Telecommunications Services. There is one driving-dominant sector, which is Nonmetal Mineral Products. The major driven-dominant sectors include Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction; Wholesale, Retail Trade, Lodging and Catering Services; and Others (such as finance, property, research and development, entertainment, health, education, and public facilities). Suggestions from policy implications for emission reduction are proposed. The research findings provide important references for the Chinese government to adopt appropriate emission reduction measures, particularly in addressing these key emission sectors.