Shaping the Relationship Between Economic Development and Carbon Dioxide Emissions at the Local Level: Evidence from Spatial Econometric Models

摘要: The debate over the correlation between economic growth and environmental pollution has attracted a great deal of attention from academic researchers policy makers in recent years. There been excessive use spatial econometric models too much emphasis on statistical procedures empirical studies. In this study, we contribute to existing literature by conducting more rigorous analysis relationship $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ emissions Chinese cities using Durbin models. Our results show that increase monotonically relation at city level driving effects are slightly smaller central China than eastern western China. addition growth, industry’s share economy is major driver emissions, while technological improvement, measured energy intensity per unit gross domestic product (GDP), effectiveness governance flatten shape Kuznets curve. We provide evidence local spillover explanatory variables emissions. Economic competition as well diffusion found exist also find carbon leakage only if capita GDP given less $493 (in 2010 constant dollars). Results hold when robustness checks performed. Policy should carefully consider regional differences inherent interactions factors formulating reduction policies.