This study assesses the economic costs and health benefits of different carbon mitigation pathways in China, considering socio-economic futures and climate policy ambitions. An early carbon peak before 2030, aligned with the 1.5°C target, could avoid significant PM2.5-attributable deaths. Under the 2°C target, health co-benefits could offset carbon mitigation costs by 2050, resulting in substantial net economic benefits. The findings suggest that ambitious climate targets in other countries may yield similar health benefits.

Rong Tang, Jing Zhao, Yifan Liu, Xin Huang, Yanxu Zhang, Derong Zhou, Aijun Ding, Chris P. Nielsen, Haikun Wang