Research on regional differences of the impact of clean energy development on carbon dioxide emission and economic growth

Abstract

Abstract “China is by far the world’s largest importer of oil and emitter of carbon dioxide.” Therefore, clean energy development (CED) is of great practical significance to reduce carbon dioxide emission (CDE), ensure energy security, and achieve green economic growth. What is the role of CED in reducing CDE? Can CED, which requires significant investment, promote economic growth? For the above aims, according to the panel data of 30 provinces composed of accurate data during 1979 to 2016 and prediction data from 2017 to 2030 in China, this research employs “a non-parametric and additive regression model” to explore the linear and nonlinear influence of CED on CDE and economic growth. The results show that CED does not play an essential role in reducing CDE and fostering economic growth from a linear perspective; the influence of CED on CDE and economic growth in China’s western, central and eastern regions is significantly different from a nonlinear perspective. Hence, the Chinese government ought to fully play the critical role of clean energy in reducing CDE and fostering economic growth.