The effects of a Smart Logistics policy on carbon emissions in China: A difference-in-differences analysis. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pan, Xiongfeng; Li, Mengna; Wang, Mengyang; Zong, Tianjiao; Song, Malin
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 137(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Carbon emission -- Smart Logistics policy -- Difference-in-differences model; Logistics -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Periodicals; 388.011
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2020.101939
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-5545

Abstract

Highlights: A difference-in-differences (DID) model was constructed in this study. The effect of Smart Logistics policy on China's carbon emissions was investigated. Freight volume, employment, and total social retail are key influencing factors. The Smart Logistics policy can restrain carbon emissions significantly. The policy has a continuous impact on carbon emissions in the second year. Abstract: The rapid development of logistics has increased carbon emissions. Smart Logistics distribution system is a comprehensive logistics system supported by advanced information technology, which aims to improve the operation efficiency of the logistics industry and reduce carbon emissions by optimizing resource allocation. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the effects of Smart Logistics policy (SLP) on China's carbon emissions. This paper used the binary choice model to investigate the main factors influencing the establishment of Smart Logistics in Chinese cities, and whether carbon emissions are the cause of the establishment of Smart Logistics. Secondly, it analyzed the effect of SLP on carbon emissions using a difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results reveal that freight volume, logistics employment, and total social retail are important factors determining whether a city should establish Smart Logistics or not. Additionally, the decision whether to establish Smart Logistics is an exogenous policy variable to carbon emissions. The implementation of SLP can restrain carbon emissions significantly, with a continuous impact in the second year. Based on the findings of this paper, a series of policy implications with respect to promote the development of Smart Logistics were proposed.