Impacts of Upgrading of Consumption Structure and Human Capital Level on Carbon Emissions—Empirical Evidence Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data

Carbon emission reduction (CER) is increasingly becoming a global issue. This study explored the impact mechanism of upgrading consumption structure (UCS) and human capital level (HC) on carbon emissions, an empirical test was carried out using provincial panel data from 2000 to 2019 in China. The results show following: (1) China’s UCS could significantly curb emissions. (2) At present, HC positively correlated with higher capital, less conducive CER. Additionally, moderating effect inhibit CER induced by UCS. (3) Regional heterogeneity analysis showed that central western regions China CER, while estimated coefficient eastern region not significant. (4) reduce emissions stimulating mediating industrial upgrading. Based results, this proposes policy suggestions can help