1
|
Lu J, Mao X, Liu Z, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Song P, Wu Y, Zusman E, Tu K. The Global Environmental Impacts of China's Accession to the WTO: A 20-Year Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5760-5771. [PMID: 38507818 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Robust empirical assessments of the long-term cumulative global effects of free trade and economic globalization on the environment are limited. This account fills this gap by constructing a dynamic computable general equilibrium model to estimate the environmental effects of a milestone in the recent history of trade liberalization: China's 20-year World Trade Organization (WTO) accession. The modeling shows that China's accession could have resulted in an increase in the global cumulative greenhouse gases (GHGs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by roughly 14,000 Mt CO2-eq, 64 Mt, and 46 Mt, respectively. The global production scale effect contributed to most of these estimated increases. The regional total output composition effect also caused higher emissions. Meanwhile, the sectoral output composition effect helped reduce total emissions to a limited extent. Fortunately, a package of emission abatement measures led to a decrease in emission factors and a drop in the global cumulative emissions of GHGs, SO2, and NOx. The findings suggest that to enjoy the free trade and economic globalization benefits and minimize the induced emission increases, it is vitally important to systemically reduce emissions across the entire economy and nurture a low-carbon trade regime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Lu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Center for Global Environmental Policy, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, P. R. China
| | - Xianqiang Mao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Center for Global Environmental Policy, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Zhengyan Liu
- Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, No. A-11, Muxidi North Street, Beijing 100038, P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qingyong Zhang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Center for Global Environmental Policy, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Peng Song
- School of Public Affairs, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Street, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yanjie Wu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Center for Global Environmental Policy, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Eric Zusman
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108-11 Kamiyamaguchi Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0115, Japan
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kevin Tu
- Center for Global Environmental Policy, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York 10027, United States
- Agora Energiewende, Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, Berlin 10178, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Ma L. Does new energy demonstration city policy curb air pollution? Evidence from Chinese cities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170595. [PMID: 38311082 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
China has embarked on realizing a green-oriented energy structure transition with a series of policy tools. In 2014, the National Energy Administration launched a new energy demonstration city (NEDC) policy, but its effect on air pollution mitigation has not been fully examined. By employing the Difference-in-difference strategy, this study examines the effect of the NEDC policy on air pollution mitigation with Chinese prefecture-level city data. The results reveal that the NEDC policy can significantly lead to a 0.13-unit drop in SO2 emissions. The NEDC policy curbs pollution by stimulating green investments, promoting green technology innovation, advancing resource allocation efficiency, and reducing energy consumption. The effect of the NEDC policy appears to be heterogeneous under different conditions. Furthermore, this phenomenon is more conspicuous in prefectures led by older officials, where the age incentives nearing the promotion golden age threshold amplify the effects of air pollution mitigation, while those nearing retirement years exacerbate such effects. Notably, the interaction effect between environmental regulations and the NEDC policy on air pollution mitigation is elucidated. Moreover, positive spatial spillover effects extending to neighboring regions are identified, underscoring the imperative of regional collaboration and technological diffusion. Based on the findings above, several policy implications are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanyong Wang
- School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui province 230026, PR China
| | - Ling Ma
- School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui province 230026, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin W, Lin K, Du L, Du J. Can regional joint prevention and control of atmospheric reduce border pollution? Evidence from China's 12th Five-Year Plan on air pollution. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 342:118342. [PMID: 37302171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Border pollution is usually a difficult problem in environmental governance. Based on the data at the county level in China from 2005 to 2019, this study takes the 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for atmospheric pollution as a policy shock, and uses the difference-in-differences (DID) method to explore the impact of regional joint prevention and control (JPC) of atmospheric pollution policy on air pollution of the border regions. Empirical results show that: (1) After implementing the JPC of atmospheric pollution policy, the PM2.5 concentration in the border regions is reduced by 3.5%. (2) The mechanism analysis shows that there is a spillover effect in the governing behaviors of local governments. In the border areas under low economic growth pressure and high environmental protection pressure, the reduction effect of the JPC of atmospheric pollution policy is more significant on the PM2.5 concentration of the border regions. The research conclusions have new insights into the role and effect of macro-regional environmental JPC policy and border pollution control, and provide practical guidance for social green governance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weifen Lin
- School of Urban and Regional Sciences, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Kai Lin
- Business School, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Longzheng Du
- Institute of Digital Economy and Green Development, Zhejiang International Studies University, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
| | - Jianhang Du
- Business Management Department, University of Finance and Economics Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, 13381, Mongolia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Restricted Anthropogenic Activities and Improved Urban Air Quality in China: Evidence from Real-Time and Remotely Sensed Datasets Using Air Quality Zonal Modeling. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study aims to examine the major atmospheric air pollutants such as NO2, CO, O3, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 to assess the overall air quality using air quality zonal modeling of 15 major cities of China before and after the COVID-19 pandemic period. The spatio-temporal changes in NO2 and other atmospheric pollutants exhibited enormous reduction due to the imposition of a nationwide lockdown. The present study used a 10-day as well as 60-day tropospheric column time-average map of NO2 with spatial resolution 0.25 × 0.25° obtained from the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, NASA. The air quality zonal model was employed to assess the total NO2 load and its change during the pandemic period for each specific region. Ground surface monitoring data for CO, NO2, O3, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2 including Air Quality Index (AQI) were collected from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China (MEPC). The results from both datasets demonstrated that NO2 has drastically dropped in all the major cities across China. The concentration of CO, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2 demonstrated a decreasing trend whereas the concentration of O3 increased substantially in all cities after the lockdown effect as observed from real-time monitoring data. Because of the complete shutdown of all industrial activities and vehicular movements, the atmosphere experienced a lower concentration of major pollutants that improves the overall air quality. The regulation of anthropogenic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic has not only contained the spread of the virus but also facilitated the improvement of the overall air quality. Guangzhou (43%), Harbin (42%), Jinan (33%), and Chengdu (32%) have experienced maximum air quality improving rates, whereas Anshan (7%), Lanzhou (17%), and Xian (25%) exhibited less improved AQI among 15 cities of China during the study period. The government needs to establish an environmental policy framework involving central, provincial, and local governments with stringent laws for environmental protection.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi Z, Zhang J, Xiao Z, Lu T, Ren X, Wei H. Effects of acid rain on plant growth: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 297:113213. [PMID: 34329914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic driven acid gases emission has caused acid rain in many regions globally. Although efforts have been made to assess the effects of acid rain on terrestrial ecosystems, a systematic assessment of growth-related traits across plant aboveground and belowground is lacking. Hence, we performed a phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis of 755 observations from 69 independent studies to quantify the effects of acid rain on six growth-related traits of plant. We estimated the inhibitory effects of acid rain on plant growth in general and found that aboveground and belowground plant parts responded differently. The acidity of acid rain and acid rain interval had direct modulation effects on plant growth. We also found that there were interactions between acid rain pH and other acid rain characteristics (i.e., acid rain interval, mole ratio of S:N, and acid rain rate) and experimental characteristics (i.e., initial soil pH and plant exposure part), indicating that there were pH-dependent interaction patterns. Thus, an effective approach to evaluate and predict the effects of acid rain on plant growth is to fully consider the direct effects of acid rain pH and the interactions between acid rain pH and other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoji Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jiaen Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Zeheng Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Tiantian Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaoqiao Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Eco-circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Han C, Xu R, Zhang Y, Yu W, Zhang Z, Morawska L, Heyworth J, Jalaludin B, Morgan G, Marks G, Abramson M, Sun L, Li S, Guo Y. Air pollution control efficacy and health impacts: A global observational study from 2000 to 2016. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117211. [PMID: 34052602 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentrations vary between countries with similar carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which can be partially explained by differences in air pollution control efficacy. However, no indicator of air pollution control efficacy has yet been developed. We aimed to develop such an indicator, and to evaluate its global and temporal distribution and its association with country-level health metrics. A novel indicator, ambient population-weighted average PM2.5 concentration per unit per capita CO2 emission (PM2.5/CO2), was developed to assess country-specific air pollution control efficacy (abbreviated as APCI). We estimated and mapped the global average distribution of APCI and its changes during 2000-2016 across 196 countries. Pearson correlation coefficients and Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) were used to evaluate the relationship between APCI and health metrics. APCI varied by country with an inverse association with economic development. APCI showed an almost stable trend globally from 2000 to 2016, with the low-income groups increased and several countries (China, India, Bangladesh) decreased. The Pearson correlation coefficients between APCI and life expectancy at birth (LE), infant-mortality rate (IMR), under-five year of age mortality rate (U5MR) and logarithm of per capita GDP (LPGDP) were -0.57, 0.65, 0.66, -0.59 respectively (all P values < 0.001). APCI could explain international variation of LE, IMR and U5MR. The associations between APCI and LE, IMR, U5MR were independent of per capita GDP and climatic factors. We consider APCI to be a good indicator for air pollution control efficacy given its relation to important population health indicators. Our findings provide a new metric to interpret health inequity across the globe from the point of climate change and air pollution control efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Han
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, PR China; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Rongbin Xu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Yajuan Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, 750004, PR China
| | - Wenhua Yu
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Zhongwen Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, PR China
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Jane Heyworth
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Morgan
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Guy Marks
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2170, Australia
| | - Michael Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Liwei Sun
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, PR China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Yuming Guo
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, PR China; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang Y, Yu T, Ma W, Dayananda B, Iwasaki K, Li J. Morphological, Physiological and Photophysiological Responses of Critically Endangered Acer catalpifolium to Acid Stress. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091958. [PMID: 34579490 PMCID: PMC8470873 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acid rain deposition (AR) has long-lasting implications for the community stability and biodiversity conservation in southwest China. Acer catalpifolium is a critically endangered species in the rain zone of Western China where AR occurs frequently. To understand the effects of AR on the morphology and physiology of A. catalpifolium, we conducted an acid stress simulation experiment for 1.5 years. The morphological, physiological, and photosynthetic responses of A. catalpifolium to the acidity, composition, and deposition pattern of acid stress was observed. The results showed that simulated acid stress can promote the growth of A. catalpifolium via the soil application mode. The growth improvement of A. catalpifolium under nitric-balanced acid rain via the soil application mode was greater than that of sulfuric-dominated acid rain via the soil application mode. On the contrary, the growth of A. catalpifolium was significantly inhibited by acid stress and the inhibition increased with the acidity of acid stress applied via leaf spraying. The inhibitory impacts of nitric-balanced acid rain via the leaf spraying of A. catalpifolium were greater than that of sulfur-dominant acid rain via leaf spraying. The observations presented in this work can be utilized for considering potential population restoration plans for A. catalpifolium, as well as the forests in southwest China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Zhang
- The National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of High Efficiency and Superior-Quality Cultivation and Fruit Deep Processing Technology on Characteristic Fruit Trees, College of Plant Science, Tarim University, Alear 843300, China;
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Resources and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Tao Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Resources and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Wenbao Ma
- Ecological Restoration and Conservation of Forests and Wetlands Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu 610081, China
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Buddhi Dayananda
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Kenji Iwasaki
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Junqing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Resources and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li A, Zhou Q, Xu Q. Prospects for ozone pollution control in China: An epidemiological perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117670. [PMID: 34380231 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Severe surface ozone pollution has become widespread in China. To protect public health, Chinese scientific communities and government agencies have striven to mitigate ozone pollution. However, makers of pollution mitigation policies rarely consider epidemiological research, and communication between epidemiological researchers and the government is poor. Therefore, this article reviews the current mitigation policies and the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone from an epidemiological perspective and proposes recommendations for researchers and policy makers on the basis of epidemiological evidence. We review current nationwide ozone control measures for mitigating ozone pollution from four dimensions: the integration of ozone and particulate matter control, ozone precursors control, ozone control in different seasons, and regional cooperation on the prevention of ozone pollution. In addition, we present environmental and epidemiological evidence and propose recommendations and discuss relevant ozone metrics and the criteria values of the NAAQS. We finally conclude that the disease burden attributable to ozone exposure in China may be underestimated and that the epidemiological research regarding the health effects of integrating ozone and particulate matter control is insufficient. Furthermore, atmospheric volatile organic compounds are severely detrimental to health, and related control policies are urgently required in China. We recommend a greater focus on winter ozone pollution and conclude that the health benefits of regional cooperation on ozone control and prevention are salient. We argue that daily average ozone concentration may be a more biologically relevant ozone metric than those currently used by the NAAQS, and accumulating epidemiological evidence supports revision of the standards. This review provides new insight for ozone mitigation policies and related epidemiological studies in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Qun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
CO2 and Air Pollutants Emissions under Different Scenarios Predicted by a Regional Energy Consumption Modeling System for Shanghai, China. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11091006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
About 75% energy demand and emissions all concentrate in urban areas, especially in the metropolises, placing a heavy burden on both the energy supply system and the environment system. To explore low emission pathways and provide policy recommendations for the Shanghai energy system and the environmental system to reach the carbon dioxide (CO2) peak by 2030 and attain emission reduction targets for local air pollutants (LAPs), a regional energy–environment optimization model was developed in this study, considering system costs, socio-economic development and technology. To verify the reliability of the model simulation and evaluate the model risk, a historical scenario was defined to calculate the emissions for 2004–2014, and the data were compared with the bottom-up emission inventory results. By considering four scenarios, we simulated the energy consumption and emissions in the period of 2020–2030 from the perspective of energy policies, economic measures and technology updates. We found that CO2 emissions might exceed the amount of 250 million tons by the end of 2020 under the current policy, and carbon tax with a price of 40 CNY per ton of carbon dioxide is an imperative measure to lower carbon emissions. Under the constraints, the emissions amount of SO2, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 will be reduced by 95.3–180.8, 207.8–357.1, 149.4–274.5, and 59.5–119.8 Kt in 2030, respectively.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Li C, Meng M, Zhai L, Zhang B, Jia Z, Gu Z, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Zhang J. Comparative effects of the recovery from sulfuric and nitric acid rain on the soil enzyme activities and metabolic functions of soil microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136788. [PMID: 31982766 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Acid rain (AR) is a serious issue in China, particularly in the Yangtze River Delta region where the economy has undergone rapid development. Over the last few years, the composition of acid rain in the Yangtze River Delta region has gradually changed from sulfuric acid rain (SAR) to nitric acid rain (NAR) due to controls on SO2 emissions, but increased NOx emissions. These changes have made ecosystems more complex. For this study, we halted AR treatments in Quercus acutissima forest plots that had received simulated AR for one year and monitored them from the following February to November. We investigated their soil resident enzyme and microbial metabolic activities, as well as community functional diversity. The results revealed that AR treatments negatively affected both the soil microbial activity and soil microbial community functional diversity; however, both managed to recover over time, once the AR treatments were stopped. During the AR treatment and recovery periods, four main categories (carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, amino acids, and polymers) were dominantly utilized. The utilization of pyruvic acid, which was affected by the AR treatments, as well as d-mannitol and tween 80, accounted for changes in the peak values of the C substrate groups during the AR treatment recovery period. Finally, changes in the activities of soil enzymes recorded following AR recovery, were closely related to the utilization of six C substrate groups. Our results suggested that the recovery of soils following the cessation of NAR stress was more rapid than from SAR. Further, that short-term NAR could be easily treated during the transformation from SAR to NAR in the Yangtze River Delta region. These results might also enrich the basic data relating to post-AR treatments on the soil environment, while having significance toward guiding further studies on the recovery of ecosystems from AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Chong Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Miaojing Meng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Lu Zhai
- Earth and Environmental Science Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Zhaohui Jia
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Zheyan Gu
- Jiangsu Surveying and Design Institute of Water Resources Co., Ltd., Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yinlong Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jinchi Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qian Y, Cao H, Huang S. Decoupling and decomposition analysis of industrial sulfur dioxide emissions from the industrial economy in 30 Chinese provinces. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 260:110142. [PMID: 31941622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As one of the largest emitters of sulfur dioxide (SO2), China has faced increasing pressure to achieve sustainable development. This study investigates the decoupling relationship between industrial SO2 emissions and the industrial economy in China during 1996-2015. According to the decoupling results, the study period is divided into four stages: 1996-2001, 2001-2006, 2006-2010, and 2010-2015. These four stages are closely aligned with the major adjustments of the national socio-economic policies. Then, the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition method is used to analyze the driving factors of industrial SO2 emissions. The results demonstrate that the SO2 generation intensity and SO2 abatement are the major contributors to reducing industrial SO2 emissions, while the economic activity effect is the primary inhibitory factor. Moreover, the provincial results show that most provinces with weak decoupling state since 2006 are located in less developed provinces with energy-intensive industries. Besides, the economic structure and SO2 generation intensity show negative contributions to reducing industrial SO2 emissions in some of these regions. Based on the results, the attention should be focused on cleaner production to reduce industrial SO2 emissions further, and environmental policies should be tailored to local conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qian
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Hui Cao
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, Suning.com, Nanjing, 210042, China; Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Simin Huang
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Huang J, Wang H, Zhong Y, Huang J, Fu X, Wang L, Teng W. Growth and physiological response of an endangered tree, Horsfieldia hainanensis merr., to simulated sulfuric and nitric acid rain in southern China. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2019; 144:118-126. [PMID: 31563092 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As nitrogen deposition increases, acid rain is gradually shifting from sulfuric acid rain (SAR) to nitric acid rain (NAR). Acid rain can severely affect plant growth, damage ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity. Thus, a shift in acid rain type presents another challenge to the conservation of endangered plant species. We investigated the effect of three acid rain types (SAR, mixed acid rain [MAR], and NAR) and pH on the growth of an endangered Chinese endemic tree, Horsfieldia hainanensis Merr., using simulated rain in a greenhouse environment. Over nine months, growth indices, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde content, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were investigated for treated and control saplings. The results indicated that at a pH of 5.6, H. hainanensis could adapt to SAR and MAR, but NAR inhibited below-ground growth. At a pH of 2.5 and 4.0, SAR inhibited stem and leaf biomass accumulation, whereas NAR inhibited root biomass accumulation and altered root morphology. MAR had intermediary effects between those of SAR and NAR. Adverse effects on leaf physiology were reduced as the rain type shifted from SAR to NAR; however, roots were increasingly adversely affected. Our results suggest that conservation efforts for H. hainanensis should shift from an above-ground to a below-ground focus as acid rain transitions toward NAR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Forestry College, Guangxi University, No. 100 East University Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530000, China
| | - Hanyue Wang
- Business College, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Yuduan Zhong
- Department of Resources and Environment Engineering, Sichuan Water Conservancy Vocational College, No. 366 Yonghe Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611231, China
| | - Jinggui Huang
- Forestry College, Guangxi University, No. 100 East University Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Fu
- College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 9 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210037, China
| | - Linghui Wang
- Forestry College, Guangxi University, No. 100 East University Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530000, China.
| | - Weichao Teng
- Forestry College, Guangxi University, No. 100 East University Road, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530000, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Su CW, Wang KH, Tao R, Lobonţ OR. The asymmetric effect of air quality on cross-industries' stock returns: evidence from China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:31422-31433. [PMID: 31478171 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper offers a perspective for the link between air quality and stock returns in China through quantile Granger causality test. Compared to previous studies, the study makes the following innovations. Given the Chinese government plays an important role in economic development, its industrial policies are regarded as a new indispensable supplement of analysis framework apart from investor mood. Next, due to different reflections from cross-industries for different AQ levels, the industry heterogeneity is further considered. Also, nine industries are chosen as a sample, including environmental protection, wind power equipment, steel, photovoltaic equipment, thermal power, tourism, coal, medical service, and medical equipment. Besides, the quantile Granger causality test is robust to misspecification errors when detecting the potential dependence structure between the variables of air quality and stock returns. The empirical results show that the causal link exists in all industries, except medical service. Meanwhile, this impact presents asymmetrical features that when air quality is unhealthy, it has an influence on stock returns of the remaining eight industries. It can be explained by increasing cortisol level, more stringent environmental protection, and industrial policies. These conclusions have essential implications for market participants due to the fact that air quality generates various influences on the stock market. That is why a sustainable environmental design, strict regulatory framework, and special monitoring activities should be highly regarded in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wei Su
- School of Economics, Qingdao University, Address: 308, Ningxia Rd, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Kai-Hua Wang
- School of Economics, Qingdao University, Address: 308, Ningxia Rd, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Ran Tao
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tian D, Du E, Jiang L, Ma S, Zeng W, Zou A, Feng C, Xu L, Xing A, Wang W, Zheng C, Ji C, Shen H, Fang J. Responses of forest ecosystems to increasing N deposition in China: A critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:75-86. [PMID: 30172126 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
China has been experiencing a rapid increase in nitrogen (N) deposition due to intensified anthropogenic N emissions since the late 1970s. By synthesizing experimental and observational data taken from literature, we reviewed the responses of China's forests to increasing N deposition over time, with a focus on soil biogeochemical properties and acidification, plant nutrient stoichiometry, understory biodiversity, forest growth, and carbon (C) sequestration. Nitrogen deposition generally increased soil N availability and soil N leaching and decreased soil pH in China's forests. Consequently, microbial biomass C and microbial biomass N were both decreased, especially in subtropical forests. Nitrogen deposition increased the leaf N concentration and phosphorus resorption efficiency, which might induce nutrient imbalances in the forest ecosystems. Although experimental N addition might not affect plant species richness in the overstorey, it did significantly alter species composition of understory plants. Increased N stimulated tree growth in temperate forests, but this effect was weak in subtropical and tropical forests. Soil respiration in temperate forests was non-linearly responsive to N additions, with an increase at dosages of <60 kg N ha-1 yr-1 and a decrease at dosages of >60 kg N ha-1 yr-1. However, it was consistently decreased by increased N inputs in subtropical and tropical forests. In light of future trends in the composition (e.g., reduced N vs. oxidized N) and the loads of N deposition in China, further research on the effects of N deposition on forest ecosystems will have critical implications for the management strategies of China's forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China; Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Enzai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Suhui Ma
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wenjing Zeng
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Anlong Zou
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chanying Feng
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Longchao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Aijun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chengyang Zheng
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chengjun Ji
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Haihua Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jingyun Fang
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Du E. A database of annual atmospheric acid and nutrient deposition to China's forests. Sci Data 2018; 5:180223. [PMID: 30325353 PMCID: PMC6190741 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2018.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic emissions have substantially altered atmospheric acid and nutrient deposition in China. Understanding the status and characteristics of acid and nutrient deposition to China’s forests is crucial to assess the consequent impacts, and to better guide forest management options. Based on a comprehensive literature review, here I present an updated database for annual acid and nutrient deposition during the period 1991-2015 in China’s forests (CFAND 2.0). The database includes information from 56 forested sites on the water fluxes of bulk precipitation and throughfall, the concentrations of H+ (pH), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (N) (NH4+ and NO3−), sulfur (S), dissolved phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in bulk precipitation and throughfall, and the fluxes of dissolved inorganic N, S, dissolved P, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in bulk deposition and throughfall. This database will help to understand the spatial patterns of acid and nutrient deposition, validate modelling results of acid and nutrient deposition and assess the ecological effects of acid and nutrient deposition in China’s forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enzai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chinese National Air Protection Policy Development: A Policy Network Theory Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102257. [PMID: 30326656 PMCID: PMC6210671 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Given its wide involvement in and recognition by international organizations, China has signed many international agreements and negotiations. This study verified how and the extent to which changes in exogenous factors (e.g., international agreements and negotiations) affect Chinese governmental air protection policy development. Previous studies on policy network theory have demonstrated that exogenous factors affected the development of domestic policies significantly, while in this study little evidence was found to demonstrate the influence of exogenous factors on changes in Chinese policy. Rather, internal factors have played an important role in both its development and transformation. These findings differ from study results on wealthy countries and other developing districts. This study then explores the causes of substandard policy outcomes. To probe this further, policy network theory is applied to explain the gap between the guiding principle of central government's policies and local implementation in actual practice. By analyzing the strategies of policy actors and specific rules in current Chinese context, the associated limitations and obstacles in the process of policy-making and implementation can be explained from the aspect of bureaucratic system, energy market running mechanism and others. This paper recommends alterations in the current policy and structure based on these findings.
Collapse
|
17
|
Cao Q, Shen L, Chen SC, Pui DYH. WRF modeling of PM 2.5 remediation by SALSCS and its clean air flow over Beijing terrain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 626:134-146. [PMID: 29335168 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric simulations were carried out over the terrain of entire Beijing, China, to investigate the effectiveness of an air-pollution cleaning system named Solar-Assisted Large-Scale Cleaning System (SALSCS) for PM2.5 mitigation by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. SALSCS was proposed to utilize solar energy to generate airflow therefrom the airborne particulate pollution of atmosphere was separated by filtration elements. Our model used a derived tendency term in the potential temperature equation to simulate the buoyancy effect of SALSCS created with solar radiation on its nearby atmosphere. PM2.5 pollutant and SALSCS clean air were simulated in the model domain by passive tracer scalars. Simulation conditions with two system flow rates of 2.64 × 105 m3/s and 3.80 × 105 m3/s were tested for seven air pollution episodes of Beijing during the winters of 2015-2017. The numerical results showed that with eight SALSCSs installed along the 6th Ring Road of the city, 11.2% and 14.6% of PM2.5 concentrations were reduced under the two flow-rate simulation conditions, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Cao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lian Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sheng-Chieh Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Y H Pui
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Decomposing Air Pollutant Emissions in Asia: Determinants and Projections. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11051299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
19
|
Du E, Dong D, Zeng X, Sun Z, Jiang X, de Vries W. Direct effect of acid rain on leaf chlorophyll content of terrestrial plants in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:764-769. [PMID: 28679120 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic emissions of acid precursors in China have resulted in widespread acid rain since the 1980s. Although efforts have been made to assess the indirect, soil mediated ecological effects of acid rain, a systematic assessment of the direct foliage injury by acid rain across terrestrial plants is lacking. Leaf chlorophyll content is an important indicator of direct foliage damage and strongly related to plant productivity. We synthesized data from published literature on experiments of simulated acid rain, by directly exposing plants to acid solutions with varying pH levels, to assess the direct effect of acid rain on leaf chlorophyll content across 67 terrestrial plants in China. Our results indicate that acid rain substantially reduces leaf chlorophyll content by 6.71% per pH unit across the recorded plant species. The direct reduction of leaf chlorophyll content due to acid rain exposure showed no significant difference across calcicole, ubiquist or calcifuge species, implying that soil acidity preference does not influence the sensitivity to leaf injury by acid rain. On average, the direct effects of acid rain on leaf chlorophyll on trees, shrubs and herbs were comparable. The effects, however varied across functional groups and economic use types. Specifically, leaf chlorophyll content of deciduous species was more sensitive to acid rain in comparison to evergreen species. Moreover, vegetables and fruit trees were more sensitive to acid rain than other economically used plants. Our findings imply a potential production reduction and economic loss due to the direct foliage damage by acid rain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enzai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Dan Dong
- School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuetong Zeng
- School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhengzhong Sun
- School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- School of Natural Resources, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wim de Vries
- Environmental Research (Alterra), Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dong D, Du E, Sun Z, Zeng X, de Vries W. Non-linear direct effects of acid rain on leaf photosynthetic rate of terrestrial plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:1442-1445. [PMID: 28916280 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic emissions of acid precursors have enhanced global occurrence of acid rain, especially in East Asia. Acid rain directly suppresses leaf function by eroding surface waxes and cuticle and leaching base cations from mesophyll cells, while the simultaneous foliar uptake of nitrates in rainwater may directly benefit leaf photosynthesis and plant growth, suggesting a non-linear direct effect of acid rain. By synthesizing data from literature on acid rain exposure experiments, we assessed the direct effects of acid rain on leaf photosynthesis across 49 terrestrial plants in China. Our results show a non-linear direct effect of acid rain on leaf photosynthetic rate, including a neutral to positive effect above pH 5.0 and a negative effect below that pH level. The acid rain sensitivity of leaf photosynthesis showed no significant difference between herbs and woody species below pH 5.0, but the impacts above that pH level were strongly different, resulting in a significant increase in leaf photosynthetic rate of woody species and an insignificant effect on herbs. Our analysis also indicates a positive effect of the molar ratio of nitric versus sulfuric acid in the acid solution on leaf photosynthetic rate. These findings imply that rainwater acidity and the composition of acids both affect the response of leaf photosynthesis and therefore result in a non-linear direct effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Enzai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Zhengzhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xuetong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wim de Vries
- Wageningen University and Research, Environmental Research (Alterra), PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen University and Research, Environmental Systems Analysis Group, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Decomposition Analysis of the Factors that Influence Energy Related Air Pollutant Emission Changes in China Using the SDA Method. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9101742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
22
|
Song C, Wu L, Xie Y, He J, Chen X, Wang T, Lin Y, Jin T, Wang A, Liu Y, Dai Q, Liu B, Wang YN, Mao H. Air pollution in China: Status and spatiotemporal variations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:334-347. [PMID: 28482313 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, China has experienced severe and persistent air pollution associated with rapid urbanization and climate change. Three years' time series (January 2014 to December 2016) concentrations data of air pollutants including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) from over 1300 national air quality monitoring sites were studied to understand the severity of China's air pollution. In 2014 (2015, 2016), annual population-weighted-average (PWA) values in China were 65.8 (55.0, 50.7) μg m-3 for PM2.5, 107.8 (91.1, 85.7) μg m-3 for PM10, 54.8 (56.2, 57.2) μg m-3 for O3_8 h, 39.6 (33.3, 33.4) μg m-3 for NO2, 34.1 (26, 21.9) μg m-3 for SO2, 1.2 (1.1, 1.1) mg m-3 for CO, and 0.60 (0.59, 0.58) for PM2.5/PM10, respectively. In 2014 (2015, 2016), 7% (14%, 19%), 17% (27%, 34%), 51% (67%, 70%) and 88% (97%, 98%) of the population in China lived in areas that meet the level of annual PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 standard metrics from Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standards-Grade II. The annual PWA concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, O3_8 h, NO2, SO2, CO in the Northern China are about 40.4%, 58.9%, 5.9%, 24.6%, 96.7%, and 38.1% higher than those in Southern China, respectively. Though the air quality has been improving recent years, PM2.5 pollution in wintertime is worsening, especially in the Northern China. The complex air pollution caused by PM and O3 (the third frequent major pollutant) is an emerging problem that threatens the public health, especially in Chinese mega-city clusters. NOx controls were more beneficial than SO2 controls for improvement of annual PM air quality in the northern China, central, and southwest regions. Future epidemiologic studies are urgently required to estimate the health impacts associated with multi-pollutants exposure, and revise more scientific air quality index standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congbo Song
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yaochen Xie
- School of the Gifted Young, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jianjun He
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather & Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry of CMA, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yingchao Lin
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Taosheng Jin
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Anxu Wang
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qili Dai
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Baoshuang Liu
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ya-Nan Wang
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongjun Mao
- Center for Urban Transport Emission Research, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu Z, Mao X, Song P. GHGs and air pollutants embodied in China's international trade: Temporal and spatial index decomposition analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176089. [PMID: 28441399 PMCID: PMC5404823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal index decomposition analysis and spatial index decomposition analysis were applied to understand the driving forces of the emissions embodied in China's exports and net exports during 2002-2011, respectively. The accumulated emissions embodied in exports accounted for approximately 30% of the total emissions in China; although the contribution of the sectoral total emissions intensity (technique effect) declined, the scale effect was largely responsible for the mounting emissions associated with export, and the composition effect played a largely insignificant role. Calculations of the emissions embodied in net exports suggest that China is generally in an environmentally inferior position compared with its major trade partners. The differences in the economy-wide emission intensities between China and its major trade partners were the biggest contribution to this reality, and the trade balance effect played a less important role. However, a lower degree of specialization in pollution intensive products in exports than in imports helped to reduce slightly the emissions embodied in net exports. The temporal index decomposition analysis results suggest that China should take effective measures to optimize export and supply-side structure and reduce the total emissions intensity. According to spatial index decomposition analysis, it is suggested that a more aggressive import policy was useful for curbing domestic and global emissions, and the transfer of advanced production technologies and emission control technologies from developed to developing countries should be a compulsory global environmental policy option to mitigate the possible leakage of pollution emissions caused by international trade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyan Liu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xianqiang Mao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peng Song
- School of Public Affairs, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Air Pollution Control Policies in China: A Retrospective and Prospects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13121219. [PMID: 27941665 PMCID: PMC5201360 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13121219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
With China’s significant role on pollution emissions and related health damage, deep and up-to-date understanding of China’s air pollution policies is of worldwide relevance. Based on scientific evidence for the evolution of air pollution and the institutional background of environmental governance in China, we examine the development of air pollution control policies from the 1980s and onwards. We show that: (1) The early policies, until 2005, were ineffective at reducing emissions; (2) During 2006–2012, new instruments which interact with political incentives were introduced in the 11th Five-Year Plan, and the national goal of reducing total sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by 10% was achieved. However, regional compound air pollution problems dominated by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground level ozone (O3) emerged and worsened; (3) After the winter-long PM2.5 episode in eastern China in 2013, air pollution control policies have been experiencing significant changes on multiple fronts. In this work we analyze the different policy changes, the drivers of changes and key factors influencing the effectiveness of policies in these three stages. Lessons derived from the policy evolution have implications for future studies, as well as further reforming the management scheme towards air quality and health risk oriented directions.
Collapse
|
25
|
Li S, Williams G, Guo Y. Health benefits from improved outdoor air quality and intervention in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 214:17-25. [PMID: 27061471 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
China is at its most critical stage of outdoor air quality management. In order to prevent further deterioration of air quality and to protect human health, the Chinese government has made a series of attempts to reduce ambient air pollution. Unlike previous literature reviews on the widespread hazards of air pollution on health, this review article firstly summarized the existing evidence of human health benefits from intermittently improved outdoor air quality and intervention in China. Contents of this paper provide concrete and direct clue that improvement in outdoor air quality generates various health benefits in China, and confirm from a new perspective that it is worthwhile for China to shift its development strategy from economic growth to environmental economic sustainability. Greater emphasis on sustainable environment design, consistently strict regulatory enforcement, and specific monitoring actions should be regarded in China to decrease the health risks and to avoid long-term environmental threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Gail Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Enhanced air pollution via aerosol-boundary layer feedback in China. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18998. [PMID: 26753788 PMCID: PMC4709519 DOI: 10.1038/srep18998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe air pollution episodes have been frequent in China during the recent years. While high emissions are the primary reason for increasing pollutant concentrations, the ultimate cause for the most severe pollution episodes has remained unclear. Here we show that a high concentration of particulate matter (PM) will enhance the stability of an urban boundary layer, which in turn decreases the boundary layer height and consequently cause further increases in PM concentrations. We estimate the strength of this positive feedback mechanism by combining a new theoretical framework with ambient observations. We show that the feedback remains moderate at fine PM concentrations lower than about 200 μg m−3, but that it becomes increasingly effective at higher PM loadings resulting from the combined effect of high surface PM emissions and massive secondary PM production within the boundary layer. Our analysis explains why air pollution episodes are particularly serious and severe in megacities and during the days when synoptic weather conditions stay constant.
Collapse
|
27
|
Guo Y, Guo X, Tian J, Chen L. Study of Reciprocal Effects between Mandatory Pollutant Emissions Reduction Policy and Structural Change within the Manufacturing Sector in a Chinese Coastal Area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:12840-12850. [PMID: 26421657 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We develop a multicriteria decision-making model coupled with scenario analysis to quantitatively elucidate the reciprocal effect between a mandatory pollutant emissions reduction policy and industrial structure change within the manufacturing sector on the basis of an in-depth study of a well-developed coastal area in East China, Ningbo City, toward 2020. First, 18 two-digit level industries (TDLIs) in the manufacturing sector are screened out due to intensive emissions of the four pollutants (COD, NH3-N, SO2, and NOx). Second, a model is established to identify the optimal solution for the industrial structure adjustment of the 18 TDLIs under two scenarios, the "business-as-usual" scenario and the "industrial structure adjustment" scenario. Both scenarios are expanded into three subscenarios. Quantitative constraint conditions and two criteria are formulated to screen out the optimal solutions. We propose a coefficient of industrial structure adjustment, Ki, which could clearly reflect the policy preference in terms of industrial development and reallocate the quota of the four-pollutant emission among the 18 TDLIs with regards to the different expectations of economy development in 2020. The model will help local authorities make tailored policies to reduce pollution emissions effectively through industrial structure change by delicately allocating the pollutant emission quota and setting reasonable targets of emission intensity reduction among TDLIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 10084, China
| | - Xianglin Guo
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 10084, China
- Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University , Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jinping Tian
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 10084, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 10084, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Science and Technology, Department of Environment, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University , Zhejiang, Jiaxing 314006, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Du E, de Vries W, Liu X, Fang J, Galloway JN, Jiang Y. Spatial boundary of urban 'acid islands' in southern China. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26211880 PMCID: PMC4515822 DOI: 10.1038/srep12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ammonia in China have resulted in high levels of sulfur and nitrogen deposition, being contributors to soil acidification, especially in and near large cities. However, knowledge gaps still exist in the way that large cities shape spatial patterns of acid deposition. Here, we assessed the patterns of pH, sulfate, nitrate and ammonium in bulk precipitation and throughfall in southern China's forests by synthesizing data from published literature. Concentrations and fluxes of sulfate, nitrate and ammonium in bulk precipitation and throughfall exhibited a power-law increase with a closer distance to the nearest large cities, and accordingly pH showed a logarithmic decline. Our findings indicate the occurrence of urban 'acid islands' with a critical radius of approximately 70 km in southern China, receiving potential acid loads of more than 2 keq ha(-1) yr(-1). These urban acid islands covered an area of 0.70 million km(2), accounting for nearly 30% of the land area in southern China. Despite a significant capacity to neutralize acids in precipitation, our analysis highlights a substantial contribution of ammonium to potential acid load. Our results suggest a joint control on emissions of multiple acid precursors from urban areas in southern China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Du
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, and College of Resources Science &Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - W de Vries
- 1] Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands [2] Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Center, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - X Liu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - J Fang
- Department of Ecology, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - J N Galloway
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Y Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, and College of Resources Science &Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang W, Wang J, Zhang B, Bi J, Jiang H. Can China comply with its 12th five-year plan on industrial emissions control: a structural decomposition analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:4816-4824. [PMID: 25790340 DOI: 10.1021/es504529x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
China's rapid economic growth has caused serious environmental problems, resulting in the implementation of two major measures-end-of-pipe facilities and the phasing out of backward capacity-to reduce China's industrial emissions as part of its 11th Five-Year Plan (FYP, 2006-2010). It is important to determine whether China can meet the targets set forth in its 12th FYP (2011-2015) for industrial pollution reduction using these same solutions. In this paper, structural decomposition analysis (SDA) was used to identify the contributions of the adopted measures-as well as other underlying factors-and to evaluate the feasibility of the reduction target in China's 12th FYP. Results show that the decrease in major industrial pollutant emissions achieved during the 11th FYP resulted from improved technological efficiency, including end-of-pipe abatement efficiency and pollutant generation intensity. The same measures adopted during China's 12th FYP can address the problem of industrial wastewater emissions resulting from economic growth when the economic structure is kept constant. But it may not fulfill its commitment of reducing industrial atmospheric pollutants emissions unless the economic structure and growth patterns are drastically reformed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- ‡State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, P.R. China
| | - Jinnan Wang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- ‡State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, P.R. China
| | - Bing Zhang
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- §Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Bi
- †State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- §Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing, 210000, P.R. China
| | - Hongqiang Jiang
- ‡State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|