SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Given the urgency of climate stabilization, a deeper and holistic understanding of the key factors driving green industry and growth toward net-zero economy is of growing significance. In China, green growth has been on the rise since the turn of the century, but it is little understood in the context of its regional provinces. This research examines several key aspects of green industry strategies fostering green growth on the Tibetan Plateau in China, focusing on Qinghai Province over 1990-2021. Employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, the study adopts a multifaceted perspective. First, the study conducts a systematic review of the factors driving green industry, identifies gaps in the literature, and develops a holistic framework for evaluating green industrial growth. Second, the study delves into the nuances of green growth in Qinghai, constructing an index framework, based on systems thinking. Findings indicate a steady progress in green growth in Qinghai, showcasing the province as a model of sustainable development. Third, the study examines carbon neutrality by evaluating the decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions based on an industrial structure perspective, underscoring the complexities involved in achieving carbon neutrality and the need for sector-specific strategies. Fourth, it conducts a comparative analysis of the dynamic green productivity growth across five northwestern provinces from the standpoint of industrial structure, illustrating the impact of regional initiatives on green productivity growth. Fifth, the research explores renewable energy efficiency, underscoring the significance of factors such as energy security and carbon productivity, offering insights into effective green industrial policies. Finally, the study evaluates green efficiency and the factors influencing green agricultural development, emphasizing the effects of policy changes and input structures. Overall, this research provides a multifaceted perspective on green industry and green growth, offering insights and policy implications for regions striving for a greener future