Spatial correlation network of pollution and carbon emission reductions coupled with high-quality economic development in three Chinese urban agglomerations

Abstract

China's objective to achieve peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 and the strategy of realising high-quality economic flows are vital to the transition towards ecological, green, and low-carbon development. We calculated the coupling coordination between pollution and carbon reductions and economic quality in three of the largest urban agglomerations in China the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and Pearl River Delta (PRD) between 2010 and 2019. We used a modified gravity model and social network analysis the overall correlation and network structure and its influence on individual cities. The coupling coordination coefficient in the three urban agglomerations displayed a fluctuating upward trend, whereas the spatial distribution changed from dispersed to centralised and uniform. The intensity of spatial coupling connections had a complex interweaved, multi-directional network structure, with intensifying inter-urban connections. The direction of coupling spatial connections remained stable, with marked geographical proximity and central city features. In terms of individual network structure, most of the spatial associations are dominated by central cities or developed cities. In the process of coupling and coordination and improvement, central cities lead, sub-level cities pass, and marginal cities lag behind.Based on the results, some policy recommendations are finally made for pollution and carbon emission reductions coupled with high-quality economic development.