Driving Factors and Decoupling Effect of Energy-Related Carbon Emissions in Beijing, 2013–2020

Energy-induced carbon emissions make up more than 70% of China’s total carbon emissions. In this study, carbon emissions categorized by energy source and industry type in Beijing from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed. The Tapio model was used to reveal the decoupling effect between economic development levels and carbon emissions, and the log-mean score Difference index (LMDI) decomposition method was used to identify impact factors. From 2013 to 2020, Beijing’s energy-related carbon emissions decreased by 21.1%, while GDP increased by 70.8%, and Beijing achieved absolute decoupling of economic development level and carbon emissions, especially after implementing strict environmental protection policies and expediting the transition of energy consumption structure. Although economic growth had a driving effect on carbon emissions, this driving effect gradually weakened, and Beijing achieved carbon emission reduction mainly through the energy consumption intensity effect (−302.1%) and carbon emission factor effect (104.1%). This study reveals the decoupling effect of economic development level and carbon emissions, emphasizes the key role of policy, technology, and structural adjustment in achieving sustainable development, and provides valuable experience and reference for other cities and regions to formulate low-carbon development strategies.