Speakers
Description
High-tech development zones (HTDZs) play a critical role in driving economic growth and technological innovation, but their rapid development also poses significant challenges to regional carbon emissions. This study focuses on 168 HTDZs in China, aiming to explore the dynamic relationship between the expansion of development scales and regional carbon emissions. The research seeks to address two key questions: How does the development scale of HTDZs influence regional carbon emissions? And what spatial heterogeneities and environmental justice implications arise from these interactions? To answer these questions, this study adopts a comprehensive methodological approach. Data on inputs, outputs, and innovation performance were collected for each HTDZ. The entropy method was employed to construct a development scale index, providing a robust measure of HTDZ growth. Coupling coordination models were used to assess the synchronization between HTDZ development and carbon emissions, while geographically weighted regression (GWR) models were applied to identify spatially varying relationships and uncover underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal a complex and heterogeneous relationship between HTDZ development and carbon emissions. HTDZs with higher development scales often benefit from economies of scale and advanced green technologies, resulting in a relatively lighter carbon emission burden. In contrast, less developed HTDZs face disproportionate environmental risks, as their limited technological and financial capacities hinder their ability to adopt low-carbon practices. Additionally, the spatial heterogeneity analysis indicates significant regional disparities: coastal HTDZs tend to exhibit better coupling between development and emissions reduction, while inland and economically underdeveloped HTDZs struggle with higher carbon intensities. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the dual effect of HTDZ expansion on regional sustainability. On one hand, HTDZs are engines of economic growth and innovation; on the other, they exacerbate regional disparities in carbon emission burdens. The findings underscore the need for differentiated policy interventions that account for local contexts. Specifically, policies should prioritize targeted support for underperforming HTDZs, promoting equitable access to green technologies and fostering collaborative regional governance. In conclusion, this paper proposes a framework for integrating environmental justice into sustainable planning for HTDZs, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic development with environmental responsibility. The insights from this study provide theoretical underpinnings and practical guidance for policymakers, offering actionable strategies to advance the low-carbon transition of HTDZs and contribute to broader regional carbon neutrality goals. This research offers a valuable perspective on the intersection of urban planning, environmental economics, and climate policy, making it highly relevant to sustainable development agendas globally.
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
|---|
