Air pollution reduction co-benefits associated with low-carbon transport initiatives for carbon neutrality in China by 2060

Low-carbon transport policy measures will contribute to greenhouse gas emission reductions, as well as improvements in air quality via air pollutant emission reductions. Here, we developed a regional transport energy model by integrating a transport demand model and an energy system model to explore the associated air pollutant emission reductions achieved by low-carbon transport initiatives when projecting a path towards carbon neutrality. Several scenarios were created to identify the effectiveness and feasibility of low-carbon strategies using the Avoid–Shift–Improve (A-S-I) framework including “Technology”, “Regulation”, “Information”, and “Economy” instruments. Significant reductions in air pollutant emissions alongside transport decarbonization in China could be realized by implementing policy measures to establish effective transport demand management, a modal shift in transport use, and technological improvements. In particular, the “Improve” strategy was more effective in delivering significant reductions in air pollutant emissions than were the “Avoid” and “Shift” strategies, but the policy effects of each A-S-I pillar varied greatly for different pollutants and across different regions. An air pollution reduction strategy for the transport sector should be designed in an integrated manner based on a series of different strategies and tools. • A regional transport energy model was developed by integrating a transport demand model and energy system model. • Scenario simulations were designed based on the Avoid–Shift–Improve matrix. • Policy effectiveness varied for different air pollutants and across regions.