The transition to low-carbon energy is crucial for meeting global climate targets, yet regional heterogeneity demands tailored approaches at the subnational level. As energy systems and socio-economic capacities differ across regions, the socio-economic challenges linked to this transition are unevenly distributed. China, the world's leading carbon emitter with significant regional disparities, lacks a comprehensive subnational profile of its energy transition. To address this gap, we propose an Energy Transition Index (ETI) designed for Chinese cities, applying it to track the progress of energy transition across 282 cities. We then develop an analytical framework to assess energy transition vulnerability, conducting equity analyses from both temporal and spatial perspectives. Our findings highlight a pronounced North-South divide, emphasizing the need for region-specific low-carbon policies in China.

Dr LI Yingzhu is Assistant Professor at School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University. Prior to joining Zhejiang University in September 2019, she was Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore. She investigates the potential economic, environmental and social impacts of energy and environmental policies through economic-energy-environment modelling, with an emphasis on the impacts of domestic carbon pricing, borer carbon adjustment, and maritime carbon pricing through the global production and trade network. Her research interest includes carbon footprints, energy transition, climate governance, and energy security. She has managed and/or participated in 20 energy and environment projects funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China, Social Science Foundation of Zhejiang, Singapore government agencies and other parties. She is the Editorial Board Member of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Guest Editor of special issue ‘Energy and Climate Modelling’ in Energy and Climate Management, and a referee for more than 30 international peer-reviewed journals.