Alternative-energy-vehicles deployment delivers climate, air quality, and health co-benefits when coupled with decarbonizing power generation in China

Abstract

Alternative-energy-vehicles deployment delivers climate, air quality, and health co-benefits when coupled with decarbonizing power generation in China Graphical abstract Highlights d Deployment of AEVs decreases vehicle tailpipe emissions d Decarbonized power generation is critical to reduce upstream emissions d Coupling AEV penetration with decarbonized electricity is critical for total benefits d Large air quality, climate, health, and economic co-benefits can be obtained

Spatial-Temporal Variations and Socio-Economic Influencing Factors of Air Quality in China’s Major Cities During COVID-19

“…It can be seen that socio-economic factors such as industrial and energy structure are important factors affecting the change of urban air quality. Urbanization driven by high pollution industries will only lead to the continuous aggravation of air pollution, but cities that rely on high-tech industries to promote economic development and urbanization have fewer pollutant emissions (Peng et al, 2021;Guo et al, 2021). At the same time, urban air quality can be affected by natural factors such as resources, climate, and environment (Melamed, Schmale and von Schneidemasser, 2016;MAC Kinnon, Brouwer and Samuelsen, 2018).…”

Carbon neutrality of China’s passenger car sector requires coordinated short-term behavioral changes and long-term technological solutions

“…This essentially reveals the carbon payback time when the benefits of drive-cycle emissions reduction (e.g., with greener car fleets and energy mix) exceed the costs of car-cycle (e.g., because of powertrain technology innovations and lightweight strategies) and energy-cycle (e.g., more electricity-induced emissions in the energy supply chain) emissions increase. 93 When it comes to cumulative total emissions from 2019 to 2050, the demand-oriented and technology-oriented transitions show similar potentials but different patterns in emissions reduction. The demand-oriented transition can halve the 2019-2050 cumulative emissions (e.g., 55, 40, and 26 Gt, respectively, for S1, S4, and S7).…”

“…What kinds of nudging policy and how much infrastructure investment would be needed to enable a modal shift from car to public transport or active mobility? How can we evaluate the substantial co-benefits 27,93 on air quality, health, and traffic congestion when optimizing urban built environment and thus reducing car mobility and increasing active mobility? As our study demonstrated here for China, all these require a systematic approach that integrates different sub-systems and considers trade-offs among different sectors and targets.…”

One Atmosphere: Integrating Air Pollution and Climate Policy and Governance

“…Many countries and some cities have also incorporated a more integrated perspective in climate, air pollution, and sustainable development. Notable examples include China's pathway towards improving air quality, which in parallel achieves significant GHG reductions and further co-benefits [44][45][46][47]; India's references to co-benefits in its national climate change strategies [48]; the recognition of links between air pollution and climate change in Mongolia's Voluntary National Review; and the publication of the SLCP action plans in countries ranging from Ghana to Mexico to the Philippines. In addition, significant action is taking place at the local level and cities such as Santa Rosa have considered incorporating co-benefits into their climate plans.…”