Spatial Synergies Between Air Pollutants and CO 2 in China: From Emission and Concentration Perspectives

Synergistic governance of air pollution and carbon is crucial for green transition against the backdrop of global climate change. This study explores the spatial synergistic characteristics and driving mechanisms between air pollutants and CO 2 across China in 2021 from both emission and concentration perspectives, filling the gap of single-perspective analysis. We used the Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (WRF-VPRM) to simulate CO 2 concentrations, integrating the China High Air Pollutants (CHAPs) air pollution data, anthropogenic emission inventories, the coupling and coordination degree (CCD) model, and Geodetector analysis. Results show significant regional and seasonal differences in carbon–pollutant coordination. High-emission and high-coordination zones are concentrated in North China, southern Northeast China, and eastern coastal areas, with CO, NO 2 , and O 3 exhibiting stronger coordination with CO 2 than PM 10 , PM 2.5 and SO 2 . Emission synergy is mainly driven by population and GDP with strong GDP-related two-factor enhancement, while concentration synergy is mainly driven by air temperature and temperature–NDVI coupling. These findings highlight the joint effects of socioeconomic, meteorological, and ecological factors, supporting targeted pollution reduction and carbon mitigation strategies and providing a scientific basis for China’s dual carbon strategy and sustainable development.