Understanding air pollution reduction from the perspective of synergy with carbon mitigation in China from 2008 to 201

In response to the dual challenges of air pollution control and carbon mitigation, China has strategically shifted its focus towards the synergistic reduction of air pollutants and CO2 emissions. This study identifies the potential areas and specific air pollutant species (including CO, NOx, and SO2) for co-reduction with carbon mitigation. We also reveal the driving forces behind the emissions of each air pollutant at both the national and regional scales. Our findings are as follows: (1) The potential for synergistic reduction of CO and SO2 with CO2 emissions has diminished in economically developed areas. There is a significant opportunity for co-reduction of SO2 and CO2 in the western and northern regions of China, particularly within Heilongjiang Province. (2) NOx is the key species for synergistic reduction with CO2 emissions across China, especially in the Chengyu Plain. (3) Cleaner production and the synergistic reduction effect are the primary contributors to national air pollutant reduction in China from 2008 to 2017. Conversely, efforts in economic development and energy efficiency have led to emission increases. Energy and industrial structures have only made limited contributions to emission reductions, and carbon mitigation shows an inhibition effect on emission reductions. These results offer valuable insights for developing targeted regional strategies for deeper air pollution control, considering the specific characteristics and needs of each region. Additionally, our findings highlight the importance of addressing policy misalignments and strengthening mutual-influence mechanisms between air pollution control and carbon mitigation, ensuring that policies for carbon reduction also effectively contribute to air quality improvements.