What lessons and experiences can be learned from China for practicing low carbon city: A policy instrument perspective

Practicing low carbon city (LCC) is the key strategy for reducing carbon emissions in China. Policy instruments are important tools to guide LCC practice. Most existing studies failed to demonstrate the performance of LCC policy instruments in China. This study analyzes the lessons and experiences of Chinese cities for implementing LCC from the policy instrument perspective. This study developed a comprehensive two-dimensional analytical framework to classify policy instruments for LCC based on considerations of both diversity and abundance. Empirical analyses were conducted using data collected from 35 sample cities in China spanning the period from 2006 to 2020. The empirical findings reveal significant heterogeneity in the implementation of LCC policies across Chinese cities with varying levels of economic development. This research draws a holistic picture of LCC policy instruments in China, which can provide important references for governors to formulate targeted low-carbon policies. •The lessons and experiences of LCC practice in China are analyzed.•There is a lack of three types of hybrid instruments in China.•Shenzhen has developed a relatively complete system of policy instruments.•Cities with different levels have different priorities for adopting policy instruments.•LCC pilot cities have not played a demonstrated role in LCC practice.