Discourse analysis of multiple actors participate in carbon neutrality policy from the perspective of discourse alliance

Yu Shiwei; Lu Yongxiang; Wang Fei

Abstract：In order to explore how to construct a carbon neutrality governance system that involves multiple actors and provides guidance for policy making decision,this study analyzes the discourses of carbon neutrality policies from the perspective of discourse alliance.We first establish a carbon neutrality discourse corpus in China based on collecting data from various sources.Then,this study investigates the discourse characteristics of diverse actors and clarifies the formation mechanism of the carbon neutrality discourse network,using discourse network analysis and exponential random graph model respectively.The research findings are as follows:① Key actors in carbon neutrality policies generally maintain a consistent attitude towards most policy discourse concepts,especially those target-related concepts,while hold controversial views on concepts about non-fossil energy development,carbon trading markets and hydrogen energy.② The carbon neutrality discourse network forms three types of discourse alliances:the public,local governments,and the other five actors,exhibiting three interaction patterns:"public appealing-local governments regulation","the other five actors leading-public supplementation"and"local governments interpretation-the other five actors incorporation".③ There are three main factors that shape the carbon neutrality policy discourse network,the types and power attributes of actors and the structural characteristics of actors'interrelationships,of which the types of actors is the most critical.④ The public hold differing opinions on the concept of development of hydrogen energy,the necessity of carbon neutrality,and the use of new energy vehicles,while different types of enterprise actors have not reached a widespread discourse consensus on carbon neutrality.Therefore,the government should focus on the policy discourses among the public and enterprises.While fully utilizing the influence of discourse among same type of actors,it should employ auxiliary means of power to intervene and guide the carbon neutrality policy discourse of multiple actors,thereby further improving the participation of multiple actors in the carbon neutrality governance system and accelerating the carbon neutrality process.