On Regulating Chinese Consumer Environmental Behaviour To Reduce Global Warming: Some Reflections

Low-carbon consumption is inevitable for international societies to respond to reduce global warming because it restricts the generation of carbon emissions from the consumer’s side. The consumption behaviours of Chinese consumers are identified as having high level of waste, excessive energy demand, lack of awareness and unreasonable consumption. These high-carbon consumption behaviours should be subject to effective regulatory measures imposed by the Chinese government. This article explores the current policies and practices of China in promoting low-carbon consumption and suggests the Chinese government make clearer rules and standards for the labelling and public procurement of low-carbon products and service expand low-carbon development pilot programs in China and strengthen the education of Chinese consumers.