The evolution trend and driving factors of per capita carbon inequality in china: A multidimensional analysis based on structural characteristics, technological progress, and efficiency optimization

CHENG Ji-xin; CHEN Xiao-hong; XIA Chun-lei; LIU Jin

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China Environmental Science ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (1) : 450-462.

The evolution trend and driving factors of per capita carbon inequality in china: A multidimensional analysis based on structural characteristics, technological progress, and efficiency optimization

CHENG Ji-xin¹, CHEN Xiao-hong^1,2, XIA Chun-lei¹, LIU Jin³

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Abstract

This study constructs a comprehensive framework for assessing regional carbon inequality by integrating and extending the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) with production-theoretical decomposition analysis (PDA). Based on panel data from 273 Chinese cities (2006~2019), we examine the dynamic evolution and drivers of per capita carbon emission inequality from structural, technological, and efficiency perspectives. Results indicate significant carbon inequality in China, with the inequality index first decreasing from 15.18 (2006) to 14.51 (2008) before fluctuating upward to 22.59 (2019). Rising potential carbon intensity and shifts in regional economic structure were the main drivers of increased inequality, while regional economic growth, production efficiency improvements, and narrowing inter-city technology gaps helped mitigate it—though carbon reduction technologies showed no significant equalizing effect. Dynamic analysis reveals that potential carbon intensity fluctuations had the strongest impact on inequality changes, while technological progress and efficiency gains effectively curbed its rise. Regionally, the southern coast exhibited the highest carbon inequality, while the northwest had the lowest, with drivers varying in direction and intensity across regions.

Key words

per capita carbon emissions / carbon inequality level / index decomposition analysis / regional structural characteristics / technological changes / efficiency optimization

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CHENG Ji-xin, CHEN Xiao-hong, XIA Chun-lei, LIU Jin. The evolution trend and driving factors of per capita carbon inequality in china: A multidimensional analysis based on structural characteristics, technological progress, and efficiency optimization[J]. China Environmental Science. 2026, 46(1): 450-462

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