2016 YSSPer Mingshu Wang

2016 YSSPer Mingshu Wang shares with us the importance of his recent publication "Exploring the Relationship between Urban Forms and CO2 Emissions in 104 Chinese Cities," and how the YSSP impacted his work.

"Managing anthropogenic carbon emissions is a significant challenge to Chinese cities, as China has become the world’s leading emitter of CO₂ since 2007. Despite the common mitigation strategies of technological innovations and market-based methods, the recent wave of “smart cities” also highlights the importance of integrated approaches. With empirical evidence in 104 Chinese cities, this study contributes to the dialogue that urban forms can be used as a supplementary emission reduction strategy. Specifically, cities with more centralized and compact urban forms are associated with lesser CO₂ emissions. Additionally, we found substantial economies of scale in CO₂ concerning total population and a considerable wealth effect on CO₂ emissions. This paper concludes with spatial planning policy implications. 

I attended the YSSP at the end of my first year as a PhD student. The YSSP fellowship at the Advanced Systems Analysis Program has a lasting impact on my research and life. It opened up the areas of system-thinking and system-analytical approach to me, which has pushed me to explore complex systems (e.g., urban systems). It also has inspired me to apply research on issues of global relevance and universal importance."

Last edited: 03 April 2018