Factors facilitating the development of low-carbon cities: evidence from China’s pilot cities

As the largest developing country, China has recognized the importance of low carbon cities. To date, three batches of low-carbon pilot provinces and cities were presented by the Chinese government from 2010 to 2017. Therefore, the local governments in the pilot group should take effective measures to promote the development of low-carbon cities. However, because of the lack of experience in implementing special policies for low-carbon cities, many local governments have encountered difficulties in promoting the development of low-carbon cities. This study critically analysed various policies promulgated during 2010–2021 by the Chinese local governments. The most relevant programming policies of pilot cities were selected. A multidimensional framework is developed to better understand the policies in facilitating low-carbon city development in China. The results showed that there are 16 factors at both the macro level and the micro level that affect the development of Chinese low-carbon pilot cities. The successful promotion of China’s low-carbon cities requires combined efforts from all related stakeholders. In addition, the development of pilot cities is actively promoted by the Chinese national government and linked to other strategic initiatives, such as “peak carbon” by 2030 and “carbon neutral” by 2060. The findings help to better understand the landscape of policy measures of low-carbon city development in China and provide useful references for policy making in other countries.