中国低碳治理的制约因素和相应对策

作为全球碳排放大国,中国低碳治理的发展方向对全球气候变化有深远的影响,值得深入研究。通过中国低碳治理的制约因素及其成因的分析,提出地方政府行为是中国低碳治理的主要制约因素。这主要表现在地方政府鼓励不符合低碳发展的粗放式经济增长和城市开发及地方政府制定与执行低碳政策的积极性不高。而地方政府行为背后是各种制度环境因素。因此,改善中国低碳治理需要从制度改革入手。对制度改革提出3个建议：① 强化节能目标责任制;② 缓和地方政府过于强烈的发展意愿;③ 加强公民参与低碳治理。

Low Carbon Governance in China: Barriers and Solutions

China has experienced more than three decades of unprecedented rapid economic growth and urban expansion. Energy consumption and carbon emissions have increased significantly as a result. Recognizing the threats of climate change, the Chinese government has strengthened low carbon governance during the “11th Five-Year Plan” period. This article examines the barriers of China’s low carbon governance in four sectors: industry, buildings, transport, and renewable energy. In addition to policy problems (e.g., the development of carbon trading), this article identifies local government actions as the key barrier to China’s low carbon governance, manifested in the local governments promoting unsustainable economic growth and urban development, and a lack of enthusiasm in developing and implementing low carbon policies. These local government actions are not irrational, but can be understood as logical consequences of various institutional incentives and constrains. Therefore, there is a need for institutional reforms to improve the ways carbon is governed in China. This article recommends three reforms: 1) strengthening the energy conservation target responsibility system; 2) reducing the pressure on local governments in relation to economic development; and 3) strengthen the participation of civil society in low carbon governance.