A Study on Synergizing the Reduction of Air Pollution and Carbon Emissions in China and Policy Implication

Abstract

Most conventional air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) are simultaneously emitted from the same sources, providing a sound theoretical basis for the synergistic governance of these emissions. At present, China faces severe challenges in protecting the eco-environment, such as reducing conventional pollutants, improving environmental quality, and peaking CO2 emissions. Internationally, the control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been incorporated into the comprehensive environmental management system in major developed economies such as the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), where, based on GHG emissions monitoring and statistical data, decision-making support is provided for the national governments in the form of policy evaluation, thus forming a management mode that enables overall planning, coordination, and unified regulatory at the national level and participation of multiple departments under the national government. The synergistic control of conventional air pollutants and GHGs is becoming an important measure to strengthen the environmental management and achieve low-carbon development. This paper summarizes the synergistic effects of reducing air pollution and carbon emissions from the aspects of synergistic policies, strategic planning, and institutional systems, and conducts an analysis based on existing synergistic practices.