Work

Synergistic impacts of low-carbon city pilot policy and information consumption pilot policy on carbon lock-in

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Carbon lock-in poses a significant barrier to the low-carbon transition, necessitating synergistic policy interventions. Methods: Using a dual machine learning (DML) model, this study estimates carbon lock-in data for 262 Chinese cities and examines how the dual policy (the low-carbon city pilot and information consumption pilot policy) affects carbon lock-in. Results: The dual policy significantly suppresses carbon lock-in, with a markedly stronger effect than implementing either policy in isolation. The analysis indicates that the dual policy works through industrial structure upgrading, government environmental support, climate technology innovation, and public climate concern. Additionally, the heterogeneity test reveals that the suppressive effect is more pronounced in non-resource-based cities, large cities, and those with high market vitality and strong financial regulation. Discussion: Consequently, this study provides evidence for promoting the synergistic implementation of the low-carbon city pilot and the information consumption pilot policy, thereby breaking carbon lock-in.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1929422

Authors: Yan Peng, Rongguang Zhang

Institutions: Sichuan University Jinjiang College, Chengdu University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801