Changes of Carbon Emission Intensity from Industrial Energy Use in China

Decomposition analysis has been popular in the study on influencing factors of CO₂ emissions. This paper analyzes the change of CO₂ emission intensity in China over the period 1980-2007 based on a complete decomposition approach-the logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) method, and examines the factors driving the changes of CO₂ emissions intensity. The research shows that energy intensity is the main influence factor for CO₂ emission intensity decrease in China over the entire period, China has achieved a considerable decrease in CO₂ emission intensity mainly due to the improved of energy intensity. In addition, the change of energy structure exhibits positive effect to CO₂ emission intensity increase. According to research, the author suggests CO₂ emission intensity reduction strategies should aim at accelerate technological innovation and industrial structural adjustments; diversify energy supply with preference on renewable energy and perfect environment protection management system.