China faces pressing environmental and energy challenges. China is by far the largest energy consumer (~25% of world’s total), coal consumer (~50%), automobile market (~27%) and CO₂ emitter (~30%). Urban areas are experiencing some of the world’s worst air pollution and traffic congestion problems, which seriously affect the quality of life and sustainability of economic growth. As China addresses these challenges, there will inevitably be global impacts.

CICER researchers are working to understand the causes and consequences of these challenges, as well as the effectiveness of different policy alternatives. Some of our ongoing research projects include:

1. economic and social impacts of large-scale infrastructure investment, such as the expansion of subway networks in major cities in China and high-speed rail system;
2. gasoline demand, electric vehicle adoption and the automobile market;
3. electricity market and reform;
4. road pricing and policy options to address urban traffic congestion;
5. interactions of transportation policies and the housing market.