Do publicly developed logistics parks cause carbon emission transfer? Evidence from Chengdu

Publicly developed logistics parks (PDLPs) have been considered one of the measures in urban logistics policies to reduce carbon emissions. In response, this paper draws on the “pollution transfer” hypothesis, constructs a carbon emission analysis framework for PDLPs, and uses spatial econometric methods to explore their carbon emission effects. The findings suggest that from a global perspective, PDLPs can lead to the emergence of “pollution havens” in the suburban and exurban areas while relieving the carbon emission burden in the urban core. Secondly, PDLPs can further contribute to forming “pollution havens” by promoting logistic re-agglomeration, and the “innovation compensation” effect of PDLPs is not significant. Finally, the carbon emission effects of PDLPs are spatiotemporally heterogeneous. A carbon reduction effect is noted when the logistic re-agglomeration in the location of PDLPs is higher, and an “innovation compensation” effect is also produced when the technological innovation is higher.