Unlocking Sustainable Growth in Urban Agglomerations: A Case Study of Carbon Emissions Trading in China

Amid global efforts to combat climate change, China’s targets for reaching carbon peak and achieving carbon neutrality are critical for enhancing environmental governance and promoting sustainable economic growth. This study investigates the impacts of experimental carbon emissions trading markets on industrial coordination within a typical inland urban cluster in China, employing innovative regression control methods (RCM) to analyze changes in regional industrial dynamics. The analysis reveals significant findings: firstly, the establishment of carbon emissions trading markets has tangibly influenced industrial coordination across the economic zone; and secondly, while industrial coordination within the manufacturing sectors has seen a substantial increase, coordination in the productive service sectors remains relatively unchanged. These outcomes highlight the differential effects of carbon market policies on various sectors and underscore the importance of targeted interventions in achieving broader environmental and economic objectives.