Does the low-carbon city pilot contribute to the blue sky defense? Evidence from China.

China's goal of ecological civilization construction simultaneously faces the dual strategic tasks of pollution control and carbon reduction (PCCR). In addition to carbon reduction, does the low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) further contribute to the blue sky defense? This study investigates the impact of the LCCP on air pollution by employing a multiperiod difference-in-differences (DID) model based on data from 276 Chinese cities. The results show the following: (1) Compared with nonpilot areas, the LCCP reduces PM levels in pilot areas by approximately 1.50% on average, which is achieved by "industrial restructuring", "government investment in science and technology (S&T)", and "green lifestyle". (2) The LCCP has heterogeneous effects on air quality across cities with different resource endowments and industrial attributes, showing a greater air quality improvement in nonresource-based cities (NREB cities) and old industrial base cities (OIB cities) than in other city types. (3) The positive impact of the LCCP on air improvement in the pilot areas is derived from "pollution control effects" rather than "pollution transfer effects". This study provides useful policy implications for the comprehensive green transition and exploration of synergistic governance for PCCR in China.