The entrenched urban-rural dualism in China has historically impeded socioeconomic advancement. Analyzing disparities in carbon emissions (CEs) of urban and rural households (URH) proves instrumental not only for achieving equitable public service provision and regional harmonization but also for facilitating household-sector decarbonization and climate mitigation. Previous research has inadequately elucidated the fundamental drivers and evolutionary dynamics of these disparities, limiting their practical application. Using data from the China Energy Statistical Yearbook (2000-2020), CEs of URH were quantified through emission coefficient methodology, and carbon emission inequality (CEI) was assessed using the Theil index. The analysis revealed per capita CEs in China exhibited an upward trend. CEs of urban household escalated from 105.96 to 538.67 kg CO2, while rural household rose from 35.31 to 201.55 kg CO2. Concurrently, CEI demonstrated gradual convergence, declining from 0.25 to 0.06. Panel regression identified significant associations between CEI and per capita GDP, urbanization rate and heating degree-days. These findings indicate an ongoing transition toward urban-rural equalization of CEs in China, underscoring the importance of enhancing household welfare and accelerating clean energy adoption. This research established an empirical foundation for household emission mitigation strategies and the pursuit of integrated urban-rural development paradigms.
Zhou et al. (Wed,) studied this question.