Moving towards synergistic reductions on PM_2.5 and CO₂ and its mechanism: A case study of Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is a pivotal contributor to China’s economic growth, particularly as the nation undergoes a green transformation. Achieving synergistic reductions on pollution and carbon emissions is deemed crucial for this transition. This paper examines the spatial and temporal changes in the synergy of pollution and carbon reduction in the YREB and delves into the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicate that while the synergy in the YREB is increasing, it manifests disparities across regions, with the lower reaches outperforming the middle and upper ones. Enterprise behavior, government guidance, and regional endowments influence this synergy. Cities in the YREB must strategically plan their urban scale, curb population overgrowth, recalibrate their industrial structures, curtail energy consumption, and enhance policy efficacy. Distinct regions should prioritize various objectives: the lower reaches should hasten scientific advancements and technological innovations; the middle reaches should foster innovation and industrial upgrades; and the upper reaches should prioritize rural and urban land intensification.