Evaluation of Rural Residents' Indirect Carbon Emissions from 2001 to 2012: A Case Study in Yunnan

摘要

In China, an increase in the level of rural residents' consumption leads to an increase in indirect carbon emissions. Using the Consumer Lifestyle Approach (CLA), this study examines the characteristics of indirect carbon emissions from rural residents in Yunnan province from 2001 to 2012.The research results show that the Five-Year Plan improves the living standards of rural residents while increasing indirect carbon emissions. Income level directly affects indirect carbon emissions of rural residents, as well as the structure of indirect carbon emissions. Carbon emissions from daily necessities such as food increase year by year, although the share of it shows a downward trend. Meanwhile, there is an increase in carbon emissions from transportation. Regional carbon emissions are related to the regional economic development level, the consumption level of residents and the population quantity. The level of regional economic development in Kunming, Yuxi, Baoshan and Xishuangbanna is significantly higher than that of other places. Hence, rural residents in these places have higher indirect carbon emissions.