Pei-Hua Zhu

The development of renewable energy is a key measure to achieving carbon neutrality in China. Considering the significant regional differences in income levels and green technology innovation, it is essential to discuss the impact of renewable energy development on carbon emissions from the Chinese provincial level. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 1999 to 2019, this study first explores the impact of renewable energy on carbon emissions and regional heterogeneity. Moreover, the moderating effects of income levels on the nexus between renewable energy and carbon emissions, and the impact mechanism of green technology innovation are further examined. Results show that, first, renewable energy development can significantly reduce carbon emissions in China, and there exist obvious regional differences. Second, income levels present a non-linear moderating effect on the relationship between renewable energy and carbon emissions. The increase in income levels can effectively enhance the emission reduction effect of renewable energy only in high-income regions. Third, renewable energy development is an important mediating mechanism for green technology innovation to achieve emission reduction. Finally, policy implications are proposed to help China in advancing the development of renewable energy and achieve carbon neutrality.

This article uses 2012–18 China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) panel data to study the impact of government transfer payment receipt on extracurricular tuition expenditure for children of urban families requiring aid. Findings have shown that government transfer payments increase extracurricular tuition spending for children and have a positive impact on total family expenditure with regard to children's education. Heterogeneity tests indicate that the impact is significant in the central and eastern regions of China, among children above seven years old and children in one-child families. The authors attribute the positive effects to parents' increased awareness of the importance of education and to increased opportunities for children from assisted families to participate in extracurricular tuition classes. This article proposes policy recommendations to improve the government transfer payment system in urban China.