Carbon Emission Intensity Characteristics and Spatial Spillover Effects in Counties in Northeast China: Based on a Spatial Econometric Model

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is an interesting study, especially in the context of carbon neutrality and peak carbon.  The author has made some beneficial exploration and solid empirical analysis. However, there are still some shortcomings, the specific opinions are as follows:  

         (1) It is suggested to rewrite the part about the existing literature review in the introduction.  At present, the part about literature combing and ending is relatively scattered and not systematic enough. It is suggested that the author make a hierarchical review of the existing research from the perspective of research, research content, research methods, research scale and other dimensions. At the same time, summarize the marginal contribution of research. 

         (2) The typicality and representativeness of the study area need to be further explained. At present, the introduction of the study area is too concise and not too convincing. It is suggested that the author make a further systematic introduction focusing on the typicality and representativeness of the area in talking about emissions. 

        (3) The research lacks theoretical analysis framework. This is the biggest shortcoming of this study. Theoretical analysis framework is the core of the whole research design, the selection of indicators and methods should be carried out closely around the theoretical analysis framework.  In addition, the test of subsequent mechanism analysis and the analysis of relevant constraints should also be integrated into the theoretical analysis framework. 

         (4) Research conclusions and policy implications are too scattered, and further condensing is recommended.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.Thank you.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript is much improved, I would recommend its publication as is.

Author Response

Your suggestions have led to a great improvement of our paper. Thank you.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

I have no other comments.

Author Response

Thank you for your review of our article.

This manuscript is a resubmission of an earlier submission. The following is a list of the peer review reports and author responses from that submission.

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

         Under the "double carbon" target, it is important to reduce carbon emissions in each region. In this context, the authors used macro-statistical data from 2000 to 2017, Carbon emission intensity characteristics and spatial spillover effects in counties in Northeast China were investigated using spatial econometric model. In general, the research method is reasonable, but there are theoretical defects in the research design. At the same time, the marginal contribution of research is not clear. A few comments for your reference:   

         (1) The marginal contribution of research is not clear. Few studies have focused on the county scale as a marginal contribution to the research, which is unconvincing. It is suggested that the author find the key point from the research perspective, research method and theoretical analysis framework. 

         (2) The research lacks theoretical support. The current study seems to be data-driven, more like a data report, and lacks strict theoretical support and research assumptions, which is the biggest shortcoming of this study. 

         (3) The data needs to be updated. The data used by the authors are medium and macro statistical data, covering the period 2000-2017 and now 2022. It is suggested that the data be further updated. 

Reviewer 2 Report

Please see the attached file.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf