The synergistic effects of PM2.5 and CO2 from China's energy consumption

Abstract

PM2.5 and CO2 emissions are of the same origin. Under the double pressure of PM2.5 and CO2 emissions reduction, PM2.5 and CO2 synergistic emissions reduction is an available way to achieve PM2.5 and carbon reduction. Previous studies had shown that reducing fossil energy consumption could decrease PM2.5 and CO2 emissions. The LEAP-China model and three scenarios namely the baseline scenario (BAS), the carbon peaking scenario (CPS) and the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals scenario (CCS) were developed to project energy consumption, PM2.5 and CO2 emissions in China during the period of 2021–2060. Then the synergistic effects of PM2.5 and CO2 were assessed using the synergy effects coordinate system (SECS) and the emissions reduction elasticity coefficient (EREC) method. The consequences demonstrated that: (1) the non-fossil energy consumption would dominate energy use and be the largest PM2.5 and CO2 emissions reduction from energy consumption in the CCS. (2) In the CCS, PM2.5 and CO2 emissions from energy consumption would have a significant synergistic effect on emissions reduction during 2020–2060. The transformation of the energy use mix should be accelerated and the energy use efficiency should be improved. Regular assessments of the synergistic effects of PM2.5 and CO2 should be conducted.