Clarifying the levers of carbon emission reduction in compact cities in China: A multi-sectoral approach

Compact city policies have gained global attention for their potential to combat urban sprawl, conserve suburban open spaces, reduce energy consumption, and cultivate vibrant urban living environments. While these policies are widely believed to contribute to urban low-carbon objectives, empirical evidence has been lacking. This study focuses on the pivotal elements of compact city development, investigating impacts on sectoral urban carbon emissions and uncovering spatial heterogeneity. The research outcomes affirm that density and accessibility indicators exert significant negative influences on carbon intensity for the energy, industrial, household, and transportation sectors. While public transport, despite its fundamental role in compact city theory, does not show effectiveness in reducing urban carbon emissions as expected. The study highlights that as an approach toward achieving urban sustainability under the scope of climate change adaptation, compact city development strategies necessitate a careful balance in their application. Further, we underscore the importance of complementing compact city policies with greener energy strategies to effectively realize low-carbon urban transportation goals.