Synergetic control analysis of CO2 and air pollutants in the automobile manufacturing industry in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay area: The supply chain perspective

The pollution reduction and carbon-cutting measures of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) set a benchmark for sustainable development in China's urban agglomerations. While the automobile manufacturing industry significantly boosts the GBA's economic growth, its extensive cross-regional and cross-sector supply chains pose challenges for CO2 and pollution emission control. Analyzing emissions characteristics and transfer paths can clarify the GBA's role and guide targeted reduction measures. According to the multi-region input-output (MRIO) model and structural path analysis (SPA), this study clarifies that the automobile manufacturing industry in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao causes more than 72% of the CO2 and air pollutant (SO2, NOX, PM10) spillover to other regions, where the energy-resource-dominant upstream regions of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan emit high levels of CO2 and air pollutants, according for 19% of indirect supply chain emissions; the energy sector, non-metals sector, and metals sector are the key upstream, according for 59% of indirect supply chain emissions. Furthermore, our study identifies the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and neighboring regions, parts of the western region, and the GBA region and the metal products industry, automobile manufacturing industry, and water, electricity, and gas supply industry sector as the core area and key sector with significant synergistic effects on CO2 and air pollutant emissions. Therefore, implementing emission reduction measures in the identified core areas and sectors will contribute to the achievement of synergistic enhancement. These findings can inform decision-makers to promote sustainable development in the region. Furthermore, the research perspective based on the industrial chain offers new insights into defining regional responsibility for CO2 emissions and enhancing regional cooperation. [Display omitted] •The automoblie production of the GBA relies on regions with abundant resources.•Exports are a significant demand factor for emissions in the supply chain.•Some critical supply chain paths transferred more CO2 and air pollutants were traced.•Certain regions in the supply chain exhibit a synergy between air pollutants and CO2.•Synergistic emission reduction requires policy integration and regional cooperation.