TITLE:
Public Awareness and Performance Relating to the Implementation of a Low-Carbon Economy in China: A Case Study from Zhengzhou
AUTHORS:
Liping Chen, David Taylor
KEYWORDS:
Low-Carbon Economy, China, The General Public, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Awareness
JOURNAL NAME:
Low Carbon Economy,
Vol.2 No.2,
June
24,
2011
ABSTRACT: This paper aims to examine levels of awareness and performance relating to the promotion of a Low-carbon economy (LCE) among the general public in Zhengzhou, China. The data and information used were derived from 300 question-naires distributed randomly among households in the west, south and north urban districts of Zhengazhou. The results indicate a combination of high awareness with poor understanding of LCE programmes among respondents, with the poor understanding probably due to a shortage of appropriate information from trusted sources and shortcomings in education. Respondents generally showed positive attitudes toward pro-environmental actions, such as refusing to use plastic bags, waste recycling, water and energy conservation. Apart from regulation and policies, they considered edu-cation and economic incentives as effective mechanisms to promote LCE implementation. Overall those consulted re-sponded favourably towards the prospect of LCE, with some reservations. Results of the study, though limited, suggest that the general public in China has the potential to be a facilitator of environmental improvements in the country.