Exploring the growth and influencing factors of carbon emissions in rural households of underdeveloped regions in China

Carbon emissions from rural households in underdeveloped regions remain poorly understood compared to those in urban and developed areas. This study analyzes household carbon emissions in Xunyang County, China, demonstrating that food-related emissions dominate across both farming and non-agricultural households, followed by energy consumption and transportation, with housing and clothing contributing minimally. Livestock farming is the primary source within production-related emissions, highlighting the mitigation potential of reducing ruminant livestock. Employing a Lasso regression model (adjusted R 2 = 0.769, F = 44.160), we identify housing floor area and non-agricultural hukou status as key drivers of emissions, whereas female-headed households, aging populations, regional GDP, and terrain complexity exert negative or marginal negative effects. The nuanced influences of education and crop/water area reveal complex socio-ecological dynamics that warrant further investigation. These findings underscore the need for targeted low-carbon interventions focused on improving residential efficiency, managing urbanization-driven consumption, and incentivizing sustainable behaviors to advance rural sustainability.