Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age increase China’s carbon emissions: Fertility and retirement policies

Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age would increase China’s household carbon footprint mainly by boosting population and labour. Policymakers should synergize policies targeting population ageing and climate change, which are both crucial for sustainable development. Recommendations for policy Assessing the climate impact is crucial when developing fertility and retirement policies. Promoting greener consumption and sustainable lifestyles, particularly among young people, is an effective measure to reduce household carbon footprints in China. Reducing income and consumption disparities between age groups could alleviate the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on household carbon footprints. Delaying retirement can considerably lower dependency ratios and enhance demographic dividends, although it may increase household carbon footprints. Policymakers need to consider the synergy between policies addressing population ageing and those addressing climate change.