Structural decomposition analysis of the carbonization process in Beijing: A regional explanation of rapid increasing carbon dioxide emission in China

► Key factors influencing CO2 emissions were evaluated by structural decomposition. ► Energy intensity improvement was prominent source on decarbonizing Beijing. ► Production structure in Beijing was gradually more carbon intensive since 1995. ► Services dominated structure led to its significant role in CO2 emissions growth. ► Beijing's carbonization reminds other regions to consider inter-sectoral impacts.