Narrow Results

Green finance directs social capital to support projects that benefit the environment and sustainable development. This paper constructs a policy analysis and evaluation (PAE) model based on a synthetic control method and policy instrument. Through the quantitative analysis of the actual effect of policy impacts and the analysis of policy instruments, the PAE model jointly analyses and evaluates the policy effects from both causes and consequences. This paper takes the first batch of green finance pilot zones in China as an example. The model results show that Guizhou has the best emission constraint effect. The carbon reduction effect in Jiangxi and Zhejiang is not significant. The growth of carbon emissions in Guangdong and Xinjiang accelerated. Furthermore, the PAE model analyses the mechanism of policy impacts. The difference in policy focus is the cause of the difference in carbon emission control effects. This result strengthens the reliability of the evaluation conclusions from the perspective of policy supply and provides valuable policy experience.

Policy intervention is a critical measure to address water resources challenges and improve water governance capacity. The strictest water resources management (SWRM) policy is an important water policy system that aims to deal with water shortage, water pollution, and institutional dysfunction in China. This study conducts a quantitative analysis for policy text characteristics of the SWRM through the methods of text mining and content analysis. First, we construct an analytical framework with the combination of policy instruments and policy targets, and then code and classify policy instruments in policy text and conduct statistical analysis. Finally, the research conclusions and policy suggestions are put forward. The results show that major policy instruments are structurally imbalanced in China’s SWRM policy. China’s government prefers to issue a mandatory, standardized, and restrictive policies in water resources management. Most of the policy instruments are focused on institutional management, followed by resources allocation, technological progress, and the ecological environment. This study contributes to the knowledge body of water policy evaluation and water governance, provides decision-making references for optimizing and promoting China’s water resources management policy, and offers a peer reference for water governance in other developing countries.