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The Spatial Association Network Structure and Influencing Factors of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction Synergy Efficiency in the Yellow River Basin

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  • Fan Yang

    (College of Geographical Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China
    Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Ecological Environment Low-Carbon Development Center, Hohhot 010011, China)

  • Jianghong Zhen

    (College of Geographical Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China
    Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Ecological Environment Low-Carbon Development Center, Hohhot 010011, China)

  • Xiaolong Chen

    (School of Geography Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China)

Abstract

As a national strategic development area, the Yellow River Basin (YRB) has seen progress in research on the synergy efficiency of pollution reduction and carbon reduction (SEPCR). However, there are still notable gaps. The theoretical framework for this area is lacking, leading to diverse and inconsistent conclusions. Additionally, difficulties in data collection and processing, along with incomplete and inconsistent data, negatively affect the accuracy of research findings. Current studies tend to focus on single aspects and lack a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the SEPCR across the entire basin. There is insufficient understanding of key network nodes, connections, and overall structural characteristics. A scientific assessment of its spatial correlation structure has far-reaching implications for the national battle against pollution and the realization of “dual carbon” goals. This study is based on panel data from 75 cities in the YRB from 2006 to 2022. It employs an ultra-efficiency SBM model to measure the SEPCR. Additionally, it utilizes a modified gravity model and social network analysis to explore the spatial network correlation structure in depth. Furthermore, the QAP model is used to clarify the mechanisms of various influencing factors. The research findings indicate that there is an imbalance in the spatial and temporal distribution of the SEPCR in the YRB. Although there is a fluctuating upward trend over time, significant internal spatial disparities exist. While the gaps between regions are gradually narrowing, there are still evident research disparities. Moreover, the spatial connectivity of the SEPCR in the YRB is gradually strengthening, with overall network connectivity also improving, yet there remains a considerable distance from an ideal state. The network density shows a decreasing trend from the downstream to the midstream and then to the upstream regions, with significant differences in spatial network centrality among these areas, particularly pronounced between the midstream and upstream regions. Differences in economic development levels, technological development levels, and industrial structure development levels promote the formation of spatial correlations in SEPCR, while disparities in energy utilization have a suppressive effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan Yang & Jianghong Zhen & Xiaolong Chen, 2025. "The Spatial Association Network Structure and Influencing Factors of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Reduction Synergy Efficiency in the Yellow River Basin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-22, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2068-:d:1601497
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wei, Xinyang & Tong, Qing & Magill, Iain & Vithayasrichareon, Peerapat & Betz, Regina, 2020. "Evaluation of potential co-benefits of air pollution control and climate mitigation policies for China's electricity sector," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    2. Zhongyao Cai & Xiaohui Yang & Huaxing Lin & Xinyu Yang & Ping Jiang, 2022. "Study on the Co-Benefits of Air Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction in the Yellow River Basin: An Assessment Based on a Spatial Econometric Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Chen, Xiaolong & Di, Qianbin & Liang, Chenlu, 2024. "The mechanism and path of pollution reduction and carbon reduction affecting high quality economic development - taking the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration as an example," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 376(PB).
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