Urban Transportation Carbon Efficiency and ESG Performance: An AQI-Based Empirical Analysis in China

Xinhui Zhou; Na Tang

doi:10.70088/rb5dqk17

Authors

Xinhui Zhou Business School, Geely University of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 641423, China; University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia Author
Na Tang Business School, Geely University of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 641423, China; University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70088/rb5dqk17

Keywords:

urban transportation carbon efficiency, air quality index (AQI), environmental protection, ESG

Abstract

This study, based on the environmental protection (E) dimension of the ESG framework, quantifies urban environmental performance using the proportion of days with good air quality (AQI). It further investigates the impact of carbon efficiency in urban transportation on this performance. An OLS regression model was employed on panel data from ten major cities spanning 2019 to 2023 for empirical analysis. The results reveal a significant negative relationship between per capita transportation carbon emissions and urban environmental performance, suggesting that reducing transportation carbon intensity is an effective strategy to improve air quality and enhance ESG outcomes. These findings offer empirical support and practical guidance for city planners to integrate ESG objectives into transportation policies and to design coordinated emission reduction measures.