Toward the 2-degree target: Evaluating co-benefits of road transportation in China

•China's road transport sector toward a 2-degree target in 2050 would bring 10.6% of PM2.5 concentration reduction.•The reduction of health and economic impacts toward a 2-degree target would account for around 10.8%.•Provinces with high population density and industries would avoid more health impacts and economic loss.•The 2-degree climate target can contribute around 70% reduction of health and economic impacts from air pollution control.