An assessment framework for the equity and efficiency coupling of livestock industry carbon emissions: Evidence from China

This study established a comprehensive assessment framework for carbon emissions from the livestock industry (CELI) through a coupled perspective of equity (equality for all, resident income, and agricultural land capacity) and efficiency (economy, technology, and nutrient supply). Based on this framework, the study systematically analyzes the spatio-temporal characteristics, regional disparities, and key driving factors underlying the coupling of CELI equity and efficiency. The results indicate that CELI efficiency in China has shown a continuous upward trend, particularly in the developed regions, where it exceeds the national average. However, CELI inequality remains widespread across most regions, with the highest levels observed in less developed areas. The levels of CELI equity and efficiency coupling in all provinces are generally located at low and basic coupling levels. Notably, the coupling level is the lowest in the regions with the most concentrated livestock industry. Continuously rising urbanization is the key factor inhibiting CELI equity and efficiency coupling, whereas population growth and increasing resident income had positive effects in most provinces. Our framework contributes to a more reasonable assessment of the carbon emission characteristics of livestock industry, and provides valuable references for the formulation of low-carbon agricultural development policies in other countries.