More effective synergies to reduce carbon and air pollutants in economically dynamic regions

Identifying and quantifying the key pollutants that link CO₂ and air pollutants (APs) is critical to achieving effective synergistic effects, yet existing research is very limited. Therefore, this study proposed an "EIQ" comprehensive analysis framework aimed at improving the efficiency of synergistic emission reduction of CO₂ and APs. It identified the APs with the best synergistic effect with CO₂ from multiple perspectives, and then constructed a quantitative assessment model for CO₂ and APs by combining the LMDI and econometric model. We applied the "EIQ" framework to the industrial sector of Guangdong. Economically developed regions exhibit greater synergistic effects between CO₂ and APs. NOx shows a high synergistic effect with CO₂ compared to other APs during 2012-2021. The contribution of the synergy effect to NOx emission reduction gradually increases over time. CO₂ emission reduction significantly affects NOx emission reduction, with every 1 Mt decrease in CO₂ reducing NOx by 1873 tons.