Research on the Governance Paradigm of the Low-Carbon Transition in Megacities: A Case Study Of Beijing

Abstract

Low-carbon transition at the city level is crucial to the realization of China's “Dual-carbon”targets. By combining the historical development of Beijing's energy and environmental policies in the phases of special governance, comprehensive governance, and synergistic governance, we summarize Beijing's advanced governance experience in low-carbon transition, which can not only provide guidance for Beijing's continuous promotion of high-quality development, but also provide examples and references for other cities' low-carbon transition. The study finds that the governance paradigm for Beijing's low-carbon transition has the following main points: (1) Taking the satisfaction of the state and the people as the criterion for judging the concept of governance, and insisting on the continuous formulation and dynamic improvement of policies; (2) Reducing low-carbon transition constraints through industrial upgrading and relocation and regional cooperation; (3) Adopting a governance approach that combines top-down and bottom-up approaches with compatible goals and incentives; (4) Adopting governance pathways that combine pollution and carbon emission reduction with secure economic growth. Based on the above findings, specific recommendations for other cities’ low-carbon transitions are provided.

Keywords: Low-carbon transition, Governance paradigm, Energy policy, Beijing