Can crop production agglomeration reduce carbon emissions?—empirical evidence from China

Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for environmental protection and the survival of humankind, particularly in agricultural growth, as it ensures the sustainability of the food supply. This study examines the import of the crop production agglomeration on carbon emissions across several areas of China. It employs panel data spanning from 2012 to 2022. The crop production agglomeration was assessed using the average industrial agglomeration rate, whereas the carbon emissions were evaluated using the IPCC carbon emission factors. Empirical analyses were conducted using the panel fixed effects model and the Spatial Durbin Model . The results indicate that crop production agglomeration directly reduces carbon emissions. Moreover, the concentration of crop production has a geographical demonstration effect on carbon emissions, where greater levels of crop production agglomeration result in a more efficient decrease of carbon emissions in nearby regions. An analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the impact of crop production agglomeration on carbon emissions is more pronounced in the eastern and northeastern regions of China compared to the central and western areas. The study advocates for the formulation of tailored carbon reduction methods that align with the distinct attributes of crops in various locations. It promotes variety and low-carbon development in crop production to drive industrial advancement. The study advocates for enhancing cooperation among crop production enterprises across various areas to provide platforms for information exchange and technical innovation. Furthermore, it advocates for governments to design efficient methods and regulations to reduce carbon emissions in crop production.