Driving Forces for Synergistic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Ozone Pollution in Chinese Cities

Xiaoyun Hou; Shiliang Liu; Shuang Zhao; Jingting Li; Siyang Zhou; Tianyi Yao

Abstract

China’s atmosphere is experiencing severe ozone (O₃) pollution and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, posing persistent threats to public health and sustainable development. Previous research has confirmed a synergistic coupling between O₃ pollution and CO₂ emissions, driven by mutual feedback mechanisms associated with climate warming. To gain a deeper understanding of the contribution of socioeconomic activities, we conducted a multi-parameter analysis of driving forces. In this study, we employed a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to quantify the synergistic control mechanisms for urban O₃ pollution and CO₂ emissions. The findings revealed that compared to 2014, urban atmospheric O3 concentrations in China significantly increased by 2022, and CO₂ emissions mirrored this upward trend. Assessment of health effects showed that the number of all-cause deaths related to O₃ pollution was approximately 198 × 10³ in 2022. The SEM results indicated that the tertiary industry GDP and secondary industry GDP contribute most substantially to atmospheric O₃ pollution and CO₂ emissions. This underscored the importance of optimizing industrial structure to reduce environmental impacts. Building upon the exploration of current abatement technologies, we proposed seven recommendations for synergistic control. Our research provides a scientific foundation for the implementation of “Synergistic Pollution Reduction and Carbon Mitigation” in China.

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