Sectoral Carbon Intensity and Decarbonization Processes of Economies in Russia, India, and China (Comparative Analysis)

Russia, India, and China (RIC) are the world’s largest emitters of anthropogenic CO₂, accounting for over 40% of global emissions. Their emissions have increased exponentially over the past 20 years (excluding Russia). At the same time, these countries are pursuing policies to limit emissions, as reflected in their official programs submitted to the UNFCCC. They are experiencing sectoral decarbonization and low-carbon transformation processes, each with its own national specifics. The countries intend to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060–2070. An analysis of sectoral carbon intensity dynamics allows us to identify the national characteristics of decarbonization, its achievements, and challenges. The objective of this study is to determine the sectoral specifics of emissions and decarbonization processes in Russia, India, and China, and to demonstrate the differences and similarities in the trajectories of the transition to a low-carbon economic development model. The energy and carbon intensity of RIC economies is twice that of the countries in the global center. Simultaneously, decoupling processes between economic growth and CO₂ emissions are observed. Energy, industry, and transport are the main carbon emitters in the RIC. The sectoral structure of RIC emissions differs significantly from that of the global Core and Periphery. Differences in sectoral carbon intensity and its dynamics are observed among RIC countries. The low-carbon transition has its own national characteristics, driven by economic, geographical, and political factors.

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