Abstract
Household consumption constitutes a major source of carbon emission, making it essential to explore the potential for carbon emission reductions from the demand side. Based on the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) household microdata from 2010 to 2020, this study empirically examines the impact of consumption structure upgrading (CSU) on household carbon emissions (HCE). The results indicate that (1) CSU significantly reduce HCE, and CSU increases direct HCE while reducing indirect HCE. For every additional unit of CSU, HCE decrease by approximately 0.4478 units, with direct HCE increasing by approximately 0.4633 units, and indirect HCE decreasing by approximately 0.9146 units. (2) the improvements in government environmental attention and household income amplify the mitigating effect of CSU on HCE; and (3) the mitigating effect of CSU on HCE is strongest in the eastern region, moderate in the central region, and weakest in the western region. Moreover, the mitigating impact of CSU on HCE is more pronounced in urban areas and among non-employed households. These findings offer household-level evidence supporting CSU as a strategy for reducing HCE and provide valuable insights for demand-side carbon mitigation policies.
Shen, Y.; Ma, J.; Chen, X.; Wang, Y.; Song, M. 2026. Uncovering carbon reduction Potential: How does consumption structure upgrading influence household carbon emissions? Evidence from CFPS microdata. Energy policy : Elsevier Ltd. ISSN 0301-4215. eISSN 1873-6777. 2029, Part B, 114978, p. 1–10. DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114978. [Scopus; Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)].