Modernization and Carbon Emissions in China: Assessing Sustainable Pathways in a Developing Economy

Modernization and Carbon Emissions in China: Assessing Sustainable Pathways in a Developing Economy

The study analyzes how modernization in China impacts carbon emissions, focusing on five indicators: ecological modernization, agriculture, digitalization, industrialization, and urbanization. Using data from 2005 to 2020, the research finds that ecological modernization and digitalization help reduce emissions. Industrialization and urbanization, however, increase emissions, while agricultural modernization raises emissions initially but reduces them over time. A core-periphery pattern of emissions is also noted.