Seeking carbon reduction, pollution control, green expansion, and economic growth in urban China: The role of renewable energy policy attention

Given the dual challenges of economic slowdown and climate change, China has put forward the strategy of “carbon reduction, pollution control, green expansion, and economic growth (CPGE)”. In the process of achieving this goal, great expectations are placed on the development of renewable energy. We evaluate the effect of renewable energy policy attention (REPA) on CPGE, using data from urban China. We develop a comprehensive evaluation framework that considers two key aspects—economic quality and vitality, and environmental assurance and outcomes, to calculate the CPGE. Moreover, we quantify city-level REPA through a text analysis approach. We then estimate the impact of REPA on CPGE using a spatial Durbin model. The results show that: ( i ) During the sample period, both CPGE and REPA exhibit an upward trend. REPA not only fosters local CPGE but also generates positive spatial spillovers to neighboring areas. ( ii ) The environmental effect of REPA fuels this progress, while the economic effect is comparatively weaker. ( iii ) The effects of REPA are dispersed. As CPGE improves, the positive effect of REPA diminishes. Moreover, the effects are more pronounced in non-resource-based cities, cities with an advanced industrial structure, small- and medium-sized cities, and cities with a low reliance on the energy industry. Our study emphasizes the importance of economic and environmental synergy and the crucial role of REPA in promoting it. The findings provide valuable insights for economies seeking to achieve inclusive growth, particularly for developing countries that face trade-offs between economic growth and environmental governance. • Assess CPGE in terms of economic growth and environmental protection systems. • Estimate the impact of REPA on CPGE by spatial Durbin model. • REPA boosts local CPGE and creates positive spatial spillovers. • The environmental effect of REPA is greater than its economic effect. • REPA’s effect on CPGE shows diminishing marginal returns.