Synergistic disparities of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in the industrial chain: Evidence from China's industrial sector

Abstract

The synergistic enhancement of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation (PRCM) is an inevitable requirement for China's ecological civilization construction. Existing studies primarily focus on macro-level research, and there is a relative lack of research specifically addressing the micro-level of industrial chains. Based on non-competitive IO tables, this study employed the structural path decomposition analysis method to analyze the synergistic disparities of the PRCM industry chain and its driving factors. The findings reveal: (1) The crucial emission industrial chains for CO2, SO2, and PM show a high overlap degree, accounting for 46.67 %, 46.67 %, 60.00 %, 50.00 %, and 56.67 % during 2002–2020. The PRCM industrial chains are operating at a low synergistic level, with proportions of only 13.33 %, 23.33 %, 20.00 %, and 16.67 %. PRCM exhibits a “similar origin with different paths” phenomenon. (2) China's carbon mitigation policies can reduce pollution, whereas pollution reduction policies have limited carbon mitigation effects. (3) The emission control effect is the primary disparate factor in PRCM synergy, while other factors exhibit consistent impact direction to three emissions. The study's conclusions and corresponding policy suggestions hold significant theoretical and practical implications for relevant authorities to systematically plan synergistic emission reduction pathways and establish targeted synergistic policies.