Analysis of CO₂ and air pollutant driving factors and synergistic benefits in typical Chinese industries

As major contributors to national CO₂ emissions and air pollutants, industrial activities play a pivotal role in achieving co-benefits from reducing both. This study analyzes emissions data from 37 Chinese industrial sectors over the period from 2006 to 2020. Four scenarios predict synergistic reduction potential for CO₂, NO_X, SO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5. The findings suggest that maintaining economic growth below 6.6% mitigates the drivers of CO₂ and air pollutant emissions. Additionally, efforts to optimize industrial structure, enhance energy efficiency, and promote transition contribute to synergistic reduction. Without mitigation, CO₂ emissions may increase by 12,245.0 Mt by 2040. Under strict mitigation (IRS) scenario, CO₂ and air pollutant emissions decrease by 42.4% and 52.7%, respectively. Production and Supply of Electric Power and Heat Power (PEH) sector is the primary contributor to air pollution and CO₂ emissions, but it also has significant potential for emission reduction. Synergistic reduction effects follow the order: NO_X > PM₁₀ > PM_2.5 > SO₂. Therefore, prioritizing energy transition and efficiency improvement, with economic growth and industrial structure regulation as supplementary measures, can effectively promote the synergistic reduction of CO₂ and air pollutants.