Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) generate high-valent metallic species that are promising contenders for targeted degradation of water contaminants. However, the high dissociation energy associated with the O−H bond of PMS, as well as the lack of efficient electron transfer, hampers the selective production of high-valent metallic species. This work presents an improved strategy for selectively producing high-valent Co-Oxo complexes through the activation of PMS using carbon-supported single-atom Co catalysts (Co-SACs). The selectivity of Co-SACs is achieved by carefully regulating the coordination microenvironment of Co. The local electric field of the Co centers was identified as the key driver for the selective formation of reactive oxygen species from PMS. By precisely adjusting the symmetry of the Co coordination structure to establish a local electric field, Co−P 1 N 3 @C with a highly asymmetric local electric field enables the 100% nonradical activation of PMS through O−H bond cleavage. The resulting Co (IV) �O species demonstrates remarkable degradation activity, selectivity, and environmental robustness, making them highly effective for oxidizing electron-rich pollutants and water decontamination applications.