AUTHOR=Zhou Jun , Duan Yajun , Ding Sicheng , Lu Lifang , Liu Chunwei 

TITLE=Spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of carbon footprint pressure in China's equipment manufacturing industry

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Environmental Economics

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-economics/articles/10.3389/frevc.2025.1681641

DOI=10.3389/frevc.2025.1681641

ISSN=2813-2823

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThe equipment manufacturing industry is a key source of industrial carbon emissions in China. To assess its environmental impact comprehensively, this study introduces the concept of carbon footprint pressure (ECFP) integrating both carbon sources and vegetation carbon sinks.MethodsBased on provincial panel data from 2003 to 2020, the study combines LMDI decomposition, Tapio decoupling, and extended STIRPAT spatial econometric models to analyze temporal and spatial evolution patterns and influencing factors.ResultsThe ECFP in China's equipment manufacturing industry shows an overall upward trend, spreading from coastal to inland provinces. Employment, economic expansion, and technological effects are key drivers. Some eastern regions achieve weak decoupling between economic growth and ECFP, while central and western regions show unstable coupling.DiscussionGreen technology innovation and industrial upgrading can mitigate ECFP both locally and across neighboring regions. The results provide a theoretical basis for regional emission reduction and coordinated low-carbon development.