With China's rapid economic growth, the energy demand, as well as its overall national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is seeing corresponding increase. China must transform to a low-carbon economy, because the new model would not only ensure China honoring its international commitment but also help China alter its economic growth pattern. At a time when China faces challenges to achieve a low-carbon development, this would contribute to protecting the environment.

First, China now is exploring the feasibility of a low-carbon economy as part of its endeavor to realize industrialization and urbanization, characterized by fast economic growth and high-energy demand. Meanwhile, the process is accompanied by various challenges, such as climate change, poverty alleviation and energy pinch etc. Therefore, the study of energy demand in this particular period should be the starting point toward the goal of a low-carbon economy.

Second, the concept, content and pathway of a low-carbon economy should be identified. Through a low-carbon economy, China would be able to readjust its present energy-intensive and high-emission model of economic growth. Given the current strained energy resources and deteriorated environment, China needs to develop its own model of energy expenditure and lifestyle in line with national circumstances, which is different from the old way of developed countries. The government could guide millions of Chinese to choose low-carbon consumption.