Carbon Lock-in Challenges and Unlocking Pathways for Resource-Based Cities in Sichuan Province under the "Dual-Carbon" Goals

Abstract

Based on carbon lock-in theory, this paper examines the manifestations, causes, and unlocking pathways of carbon lock-in in resource-based cities in Sichuan Province from three aspects: energy structure adjustment, institutional development, and changes in social behavior. The results show that carbon lock-in in these cities is mainly reflected in the strong inertia of traditional fossil fuel consumption, pronounced path dependence on resource-based industries, and clear regional differences. Energy, institutional, and social lock-in interact and reinforce one another, making low-carbon transition more difficult. Therefore, city-specific and differentiated policies should be adopted from three aspects—optimizing the energy supply structure, improving relevant policy measures, and strengthening social coordination—to break carbon lock-in constraints and promote the sustainable development and high-quality transition of resource-based cities in Sichuan Province.