Differences in Carbon Intensity of Energy Consumption and Influential Factors between Yangtze River Economic Belt and Yellow River Basin

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors, after carefully studying your article "Differences in Carbon Intensity of energy Consumption and Its Influencing Factors between Yangtze River Economic Belt and Yellow River Basin", I have decided  that it requires serious revision before publication in the journal. Below are my comments on the article.

1. The title of the article is too long and could be shortened to improve accuracy.

2. The abstract of the article is too short and does not include the research results in numerical form.

3. It is advisable to update the GDP values for 2020 stated in the Introduction to 2022-2023 and add a link.

 4. It is necessary to more clearly state the Research Gap, the main purpose and main objectives of the study.

5. In subsection 2.1 Study Area, it is advisable to provide a map with the indicated provinces.

6. In subsection 2.2 Data Science, it is advisable to provide links to an Internet resource.

7. The article does not contain a discussion of the results obtained and their comparison with the results of similar studies.

8. It is advisable to add 1-2 articles for 2023-2024.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Please review the description of references 26 and 27.

Just as a question.

Was the degree of certainty of the official information compared to the real information reviewed?

Did this work have any impact? That is, was it presented to the authority and the general public so that they knew the results?

Congratulations for your work

 

 

 

 

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
I express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable comments on our manuscript. Your insights have greatly contributed to the refinement of our article. Below, I provide a detailed response to each of your points:
1.In response to the formatting change requested for "References 26 and 27", we have duly revised and confirmed these references, which now correspond to the 29th and 30th references in the updated document.
2.Regarding the inquiry about examining the degree of certainty of official information compared to real information, I would like to clarify that official provincial carbon emissions data for the period 2000-2020 has not been officially calculated or published by China. However, our study draws comparisons with data sourced from the China Carbon Accounting Databases (CEADs) (https://www.ceads.net.cn/). This dataset exhibits a high degree of similarity in both trend and magnitude when compared to real information, providing a more accurate reflection of each province's carbon emissions in China.
3.Addressing the question concerning the impact and dissemination of our work, I interpret it as inquiring about the significance of our study. Firstly, given the imperative of global warming and the urgency of carbon emission reduction, China, as the largest developing country and carbon emitter, plays a crucial role in achieving carbon reduction goals. The Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin, accounting for over 70% of China's total carbon emissions, are pivotal to realizing objectives such as "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality." Secondly, China's recent focus on the "river strategy" underscores the strategic importance of major river basins such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. These regions exhibit significant variations in economic levels, carbon emission characteristics, and resource conditions. Analyzing and comparing these basins facilitates mutual learning and cooperation towards carbon emission reduction. Therefore, our study holds significance in fostering collaboration between these regions to achieve shared environmental goals.
Once again, I extend my appreciation for your thorough review and constructive feedback, which have undoubtedly strengthened the quality and impact of our manuscript.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article Differences in Carbon Intensity of Energy Consumption and Its Influencing Factors between Yangtze River Economic Belt and Yellow River Basin, based on a comparative research perspective, uses the Theil index and geodetector model to study the difference in carbon intensity of energy consumption between the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin, the influencing factors as well as the force of the cross-influencing factors. The theme of the study is carbon emission intensity, which is of strong practical significance. Specifically, as the world's largest carbon emitter, how China can effectively control and reduce carbon emissions through this mechanism is not only crucial to China's own green development, but also of great significance to the global response to climate change. The object of the study is the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin. The Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin are the most representative river basin economic zones in China, accounting for about 70% of China's total economic output and carbon emissions, and occupying a pivotal position in China's integrated green economic growth and "dual-carbon" strategy, so the study of carbon emission intensity of energy consumption from the perspective of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin is of paramount importance. Therefore, it is valuable to study the carbon emission intensity of energy consumption from the perspective of the Yangtze River Economic Zone and the Yellow River Basin. In general, this article expands the research scope and methodology of carbon emission and carbon intensity research, the research theme is of strong practical significance and innovation, and the research conclusion fits well with the research content. However, before accepting the article, there are still some minor problems that need to be revised.

1. The article mentions that "the difference in carbon intensity in the Yangtze River Economic Zone is in a shrinking trend, and the source of the difference is mainly the intra-basin difference, especially the inter-provincial difference in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River" and "the difference in carbon intensity in the Yellow River Basin is in a shrinking trend. And "the carbon intensity differences in the Yellow River Basin ...... have both inter-basin and intra-basin differences, the inter-basin differences are mainly caused by the high carbon intensity values in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, and the intra-basin differences are mainly the inter-provincial differences in the upper reaches of the Yellow River." The author observes the source and change of the difference in carbon intensity of energy consumption between the Yangtze River Economic Zone and the Yellow River Basin from a regional perspective, but the author has not discussed the characteristics of the Yangtze River Economic Zone and part of the Yellow River Basin that lead to this difference, so he can add to the discussion in this regard.

2. The conclusion of the article mentions that "the Yangtze River Economic Belt should make use of market and government forces to reduce the regional differences in carbon intensity, while the Yellow River Basin should co-ordinate the relationship between the whole and local areas, and promote the low-carbon energy transition and low-carbon economic growth", but it does not state the source and changes of the carbon intensity. "However, it does not explain how the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin should carry out carbon reduction paths according to their respective situations, and the authors can add their future carbon reduction proposals for the Yangtze River and the Yellow River in terms of their own situations.

Overall, it is recommended that this article be accepted.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
I extend my sincerest gratitude for your insightful review comments, which have been invaluable in refining our article. Below, I provide a detailed summary of the revisions made in response to your feedback:
1. In addressing the request to elucidate the reasons for the differences between the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin, we have incorporated a comprehensive explanation in the last paragraph of section 3.2 (page 11 of the updated document). ——”Comparatively speaking, the carbon intensity disparity between the Yangtze and Yellow River basins follows a pattern of "one low, one high" and "one shrinking, one expanding". Specifically, carbon intensity within the Yangtze River Economic Belt is decreasing and comparatively low, while within the Yellow River Basin, it is increas-ing and notably high. In the Yangtze River Economic Belt, variations in carbon emis-sions primarily stem from intrabasin distinctions, particularly noticeable in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, largely attributable to Guizhou's elevated carbon inten-sity. Positioned as the sole billion-ton coal base in Southwest China, Guizhou holds a pivotal role in the regional coal market, hence confronting the challenge of elevated carbon intensity. Urgent measures are required to mitigate environmental strain caused by substantial carbon emissions through the efficient utilization of fossil ener-gy resources. In contrast, carbon intensity in the Yellow River Basin is influenced by both inter- and intrabasin differences. The middling region of the Yellow River exhib-its heightened carbon intensity, while the upper reaches exhibit significant disparity, primarily due to the high carbon intensity prevalent in Shanxi and Ningxia provinces. Shanxi, a prominent coal-producing province, contributes approximately a quarter of China's total coal output, driving local economic growth predominantly reliant on coal resources, consequently resulting in substantial carbon emissions, surpassing those of midstream provinces of the Yellow River. Conversely, Ningxia's carbon emis-sions are primarily industrial, notably from chemical, iron and steel, non-ferrous, and building material sectors, yielding substantial carbon emissions. However, the homo-geneity in industry development impedes the formation of core competitiveness to sustain local economic growth, contributing to high carbon intensity. The lack of di-versified industry development further hampers the formation of core competitive-ness, collectively elevating Ningxia's carbon intensity beyond that of the Yellow River's upper reaches.“
2.In response to the section on "Carbon Reduction Recommendations for the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers," a new paragraph has been incorporated into the conclusions section (page 16 of the updated document). ——
”Additionally, the Yangtze River Economic Belt must leverage both market mecha-nisms and governmental interventions to mitigate regional disparities in carbon in-tensity. Emphasizing the implementation of the city cluster strategy, centered around the three major city clusters within the basin, is imperative for fostering high-quality economic development in less developed regions. The upper reaches of the Yangtze River should expedite the transition to a green economy, capitalizing on its ecological advantages to achieve both high-quality economic growth and reduced carbon emis-sions. Concurrently, governmental authority can be harnessed to enact regulatory measures, utilizing the dual-carbon "1+N" policy framework. Establishing a collabora-tive action plan for carbon peak and neutrality across the Yangtze River Economic Belt basin is essential to dismantle policy barriers and integrate resources across dif-ferent regions, thereby optimizing carbon reduction efforts throughout the basin. Sim-ilarly, the Yellow River Basin must coordinate between overarching and local interests to propel the transition towards low-carbon energy and economic growth. This neces-sitates the optimization of carbon reduction strategies at both macro and micro levels. Drawing insights from the urban cluster model along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Yellow River Basin should foster inter-regional cooperation to bolster the economic, demographic, and ecological capacities of city clusters along its course. For instance, establishing a low-carbon governance mechanism between city clusters like the Shandong Peninsula and Guanzhong Plain can facilitate a basin-wide develop-ment pattern characterized by complementary advantages and efficient synergy.At the local level, tailored strategies must be devised for the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yellow River, taking into account their unique resource endowments. This entails the formulation of phased measures and differentiated pathways to allo-cate carbon reduction targets effectively, thereby incentivizing industries to optimize and upgrade. Simultaneously, a pragmatic mechanism for phasing out traditional en-ergy sources should be developed, ensuring the preservation of energy security and economic stability.“
These revisions aim to enhance the clarity, comprehensiveness, and practical relevance of our article, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to the discourse on carbon intensity disparities and reduction strategies in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin.
Once again, I express my gratitude for your thoughtful feedback, which has undoubtedly improved the quality and impact of our manuscript.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

the part of references should be improved.. ..the subject covered by the article is of real interest at the global level... there are similar studies carried out in other georegions (OTHER CONTINENTS) and a parallel can be drawn with those studies carried out.

depending on the methodology found in similar articles, a parallel can be made with the methodological technique used by the author

the part of the conclusion should also contain accurate and clear data described in the article...

 

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
I would like to express my gratitude for your valuable feedback on our manuscript. Your comments have been instrumental in improving the quality and clarity of our article. Below, I outline the revisions made in response to your suggestions:
1.In addressing the suggestion to improve the references section, we have adjusted the format of some references and included the latest literature published in 2024 (pages 17 and 18 of the updated document). These adjustments aim to enhance the relevance and completeness of our reference list.
2.Regarding the comparison of our study with similar studies in other geographic regions, we have added corresponding expressions in the conclusions section (pages 15 and 16 of the updated document). These additions provide a comparative analysis of our findings with those of existing studies, offering insights into the broader implications of our research.
3.In response to the recommendation to compare our methodological techniques with those used in similar articles, we have provided a detailed explanation of our choice of the geodetector model. While many existing studies utilize IPAT or STIRPAT models, Kaya's Constant Equation, the LMDI method, and spatial econometric models, we chose the geodetector model due to its ability to address inherent multicollinearity and endogeneity problems among variables. This model not only overcomes the limitations of variable processing in quantitative models but also incorporates geographic factors, providing a more objective reflection of the influence of various factors.
4.To ensure that the conclusion contains accurate and clear data as described in the article, we have added data statements in the conclusion section (page 15 of the updated document). These statements include information on population size, government regulation, economic development, energy structure, and key interaction factors influencing carbon intensity in both major river basins. These additions enhance the completeness and accuracy of our conclusions, providing a comprehensive summary of our findings.
Overall, these revisions aim to strengthen the rigor and clarity of our article, ensuring that it makes a meaningful contribution to the field of carbon intensity research in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin.
Thank you once again for your insightful feedback, which has been invaluable in improving our manuscript.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors of the article corrected the article well, thereby significantly improving its perception for readers. However, the revised version of the article needs to be further refined to be published in such a reputable journal.

The Conclusions section is very big and must be significantly shortened. Moreover, the future perspectives (to 2030 or to 2050 years) of carbon intensity of Energy consumption in Yangtze River Economic Belt and Yellow River Basin should be highlighted. From Conclusions section it is necessary to remove references and discussion and include them into Results section.    

Author Response

please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf