Decomposing the decoupling of energy-related CO2 emissions and economic growth in Jiangsu Province

Jiangsu Province has become one of the most developed regions in China. Economic growth in Jiangsu has occurred along with rising CO2 emission levels. A deeper understanding of how energy-related CO2 emissions have evolved in Jiangsu Province is very important in formulating future policies. Thus it is very necessary to investigate the driving forces governing CO2 emissions and their evolution. The decoupling index combined with the LMDI (Log Mean Divisia Index) method is used to analyze the contribution of the factors which influence energy-related CO2 emissions in Jiangsu Province over the period 1995–2009. The results show that economic activity is the critical factor in the growth of energy-related CO2 emissions in Jiangsu Province, and the energy intensity effect plays the dominant role in decreasing CO2 emissions. The period from 2003 to 2005 represents a re-coupling effect; the periods 1996–1997 and 2000–2001 indicate strong decoupling effect, while the remaining time intervals show weak decoupling effect.

► The decoupling index combined with LMDI method is used in this paper.
► The economic activity effect leads to the rapid growth of CO2 emissions.
► The energy intensity effect plays the dominant role in decreasing CO2 emissions.
► Jiangsu experiences weak decoupling effect in most years.