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How semi-urbanization affects the collective reduction of carbon and pollutant emissions: Evidence from China

ABSTRACT In recent years, improving semi-urbanization has emerged as a promising approach for reducing pollutant emissions. However, the environmental impacts of semi-urbanization are under-researched in the extant literature. To this end, this paper explores how semi-urbanization affects the collective reduction of carbon and pollutant emissions. Also, to account for potential spatial spillover effects, the internal impact mechanisms through which semi-urbanization affects carbon and pollutant emissions are discussed theoretically. The main results indicate that: (1) Semi-urbanization contributes to reducing carbon and pollutant emissions of the province along with its nearby areas. Specifically, every 1% rise in semi-urbanization of the province leads to a decrease in emissions by around 0.93% and by around 7.04% of nearby areas; every 1% rise in semi-urbanization of the province decrease SW emissions by about 1.88% and by about 7.71% of nearby areas. (2) The relationship of semi-urbanization with carbon and pollutant emissions shows a significant U-shaped pattern. (3) Semi-urbanization, energy consumption, human capital, industrial structure, and energy efficiency exert significant and varying spatial effects on carbon and pollutant emissions across regions. This investigation suggests important policy recommendations.