Research on China's economic development transition under energy saving and emissions reduction constraints

Because China's rapid economic growth depends on the continued heavy use of fossil fuel, China has become the world's largest CO2 producer and energy consumer. Many researchers advocate a transition to China's economic growth pattern. In this paper, by establishing economic-energy simulation model during the period of China's Thirteenth Five-Year Plan, with considering the energy conservation and CO2 emissions reduction constraints on economic growth, we examine whether the current economic growth is appropriate and sustainable. Our empirical results indicate that the current economic growth should moderately slowdown at the range of 6.5%-7.5%, it means economic growth can fluctuate up and down, but it doesn't mean economic growth is the lower the better, it needs to ensure adequate employment and increase household income. We further recommend that China's policymakers need to emphasis on energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and the shift to natural gas the primary energy source. © Sila Science. All Rights Reserved.