Air Quality, Health,\nand Equity Benefits of Carbon\nNeutrality and Clean Air Pathways in China

In the pursuit of carbon neutrality, China’s 2060\ntargets\nhave been largely anchored in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with\nless emphasis on the consequential benefits for air quality and public\nhealth. This study pivots to this critical nexus, exploring how China’s\ncarbon neutrality aligns with the World Health Organization’s\nair quality guidelines (WHO AQG) regarding fine particulate matter\n(PM<sub>2.5</sub>) exposure. Coupling a technology-rich integrated\nassessment model, an emission–concentration response surface\nmodel, and exposure and health assessment, we find that decarbonization\nreduces sulfur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>), nitrogen oxides (NO<sub><i>x</i></sub>), and PM<sub>2.5</sub> emissions by more than 90%;\nreduces nonmethane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) by more than\n50%; and simultaneously reduces the disparities across regions. Critically,\nour analysis reveals that further targeted reductions in air pollutants,\nnotably NH<sub>3</sub> and non-energy-related NMVOCs, could bring\nmost Chinese cities into attainment of WHO AQG for PM<sub>2.5</sub> 5 to 10 years earlier than the pathway focused solely on carbon\nneutrality. Thus, the integration of air pollution control measures\ninto carbon neutrality strategies will present a significant opportunity\nfor China to attain health and environmental equality.