An Exploratory Study on Low-Carbon Ports Development Strategy in China

TLDR

Global warming has heightened focus on low‑carbon initiatives, yet research on low‑carbon ports remains scarce despite shipping emissions rising 85 % since 1990 and accounting for over 3 % of global greenhouse gases. The study seeks to assess the urgency, necessity, and feasibility of establishing low‑carbon ports in China. Employing a mixed qualitative‑quantitative approach, the authors analyze recent data and cutting‑edge literature to identify barriers to low‑carbon port development. The paper proposes policy recommendations for China’s long‑term low‑carbon port strategy by synthesizing domestic and international best practices.

Abstract

Global warming is getting more and more attention. The whole society focuses on the low carbon and many experts do low carbon studies on industries. However, little research on low-carbon ports. According to the data from United Nations, since 1990, the emission of greenhouse gas from global trading vessels has increased by 85% and the emission of greenhouse gas from the shipping activities each year accounts for more than 3% of the global gross emission, which exceeded that of all the economic departments of the United Kingdom putting together. Therefore, the study uses qualitative methodology and some quantitative methods to analyze the urgency, necessity and feasibility of developing low-carbon ports in China. By collecting the latest data and the most cutting-edge materials, the paper is designed to find the reasons for restricting the development of low-carbon ports in China. Then it will give some suggestions and policies for long-term development of China's ports through summarizing the experience and achievements of low-carbon ports in China and abroad.