Unraveling the pseudo‐decoupling phenomenon: Typology identification and pathway deciphering of the decoupling trap between livestock carbon emissions and economic growth in <scp>C</scp> hina

Abstract Achieving carbon decoupling within the livestock sector is a crucial step toward promoting green and low‐carbon transitions, which is essential for meeting dual‐carbon targets. Existing research has thoroughly examined the decoupling status and spatiotemporal evolution of carbon emissions from livestock farming, but has paid insufficient attention to the stability of decoupling and its underlying causes. This study innovatively introduces the concepts and identification methodologies of decoupling traps and real‐pseudo decoupling. By utilizing the Tapio decoupling model, we evaluate the carbon decoupling status and real decoupling achievements across Chinese provinces. A binary logit model is employed to identify key determinants for overcoming decoupling traps. Our findings reveal that (1) China's livestock sector carbon emissions have shown a fluctuating downward trend, with total emissions decreasing from 466 million tons to 377 million tons—a reduction of 19.12%. (2) From the 2006 to 2010 period to the 2021 to 2023 period, the relationship between livestock carbon emissions and economic growth in China was predominantly characterized by strong decoupling and weak decoupling. Although overall decoupling performance is relatively favorable, significant spatial heterogeneity and temporal volatility are observed. (3) Substantial disparities exist among provinces regarding real‐pseudo decoupling. Real decoupling is primarily concentrated in economically advanced municipalities and major livestock production regions, while other areas remain in a state of pseudo‐decoupling, thereby falling into decoupling traps. (4) Industrial structure, technological progress, urbanization level, government support, and infrastructure development are identified as critical pathways to facilitate the transition from pseudo‐decoupling to real decoupling.