Interaction Patterns between Climate Action and Air Cleaning in China: A Two-Way Evaluation Based on an Ensemble...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Climate Change Research

Background:

• China has set ambitious 2060 targets for carbon neutrality and reducing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to below 10 μg/m³.
• Understanding the interplay between air quality improvement and climate mitigation is crucial for achieving these dual objectives and maximizing co-benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction effects between climate action and air cleaning strategies in China.
• To quantify the co-benefits of simultaneous air quality improvement and climate change mitigation efforts.

Main Methods:

• Employed a random sampling strategy combined with chemical transport modeling and machine learning.
• Analyzed interaction effects from two perspectives comparing driving forces of climate action and air cleaning measures.

Main Results:

• Climate action reducing carbon emissions to 1.9 Bt could result in a PM2.5 level of 12.4 μg/m³ by 2060.
• Air cleaning measures could drive carbon emissions down to 1.93 Bt to achieve net carbon neutrality, indicating a significant role in climate mitigation.
• Additional controls for primary PM2.5, ammonia, and VOCs are necessary to compensate for any shortfall in climate action.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights that air cleaning measures have a substantial, potentially underestimated, impact on achieving China's simultaneous climate and air quality goals.
• Integrating air quality improvements with climate mitigation strategies is essential for realizing significant co-benefits and meeting national targets.