Interaction mechanism and spatial effect of cross‐regional haze pollution based on a multisectoral economy–energy–environment (3E) model and the evidence from China.

This article focuses on the transboundary characteristics and multisectoral interaction mechanisms of regional haze pollution in China, employing a cross-regional, multisectoral economy–energy–environment (3E) system framework. It develops a comprehensive conceptual model defining haze pollution as a transboundary atmospheric state driven by pollutant emissions, meteorological conditions, and spatial spillover effects among neighboring provincial regions. Using spatial econometric models on provincial panel data from 2003 to 2018, the study finds significant spatial autocorrelation in haze pollution and 3E factors, identifies an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and haze pollution, and confirms that energy consumption and coal-based energy structure positively contribute to haze pollution locally and across regions. The findings highlight the necessity for differentiated, cross-regional governance strategies that integrate economic, energy, and environmental policies to effectively address haze pollution.