Spatiotemporal Characteristics of the Correlation among Tourism, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Growth in China

Elucidating the correlation among tourism, CO2 emissions, and economic growth from a spatiotemporal standpoint is of utmost significance for tourism industry responding to China’s “double-carbon” goal. This study expansively uses bottom-up approach, Theil index, Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA), Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method calculate emissions (TE) at different spatial scales in China during 2000–2019, based on TE, we further analyze heterogeneity TE intensity (TEI) examine effects driving factors increases. The results revealed that (i) increased 3714.06 × 104 t 19,396.00 t, TEI declined 47 9 g/yuan 2000–2019. (ii) high-TEI provinces varied agglomerative distribution north by western region scattered eastern region. (iii) exhibited increasing differences, primarily within regions 2000–2009, which also distributed with both global local agglomeration space before 2014, since then, only enhanced characterized diffusing low–low (L–L) east central west regions. (iv) industrial scale economy exerted cumulative increases, energy structure reduction effects. played roles Policy implications are discussed depending results.