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Industrial activity and the environment in China: An industry-level analysis

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  • Cole, Matthew A.
  • Elliott, Robert J.R.
  • Wu, Shanshan

Abstract

Given China's rapid industrial expansion a detailed understanding of the linkages through which industrial activity affects the environment is crucial if the resultant environmental impact is to be minimised. This paper utilises a dataset of Chinese industry specific emissions for a variety of pollutants between 1997 and 2003 to provide the first study of its kind for China. We find an industry's emissions to be a positive function of its energy use and human capital intensity and a negative function of its productivity and R&D expenditure. We also investigate the role played by environmental regulations, both formal and informal.

Suggested Citation

  • Cole, Matthew A. & Elliott, Robert J.R. & Wu, Shanshan, 2008. "Industrial activity and the environment in China: An industry-level analysis," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 393-408, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:19:y:2008:i:3:p:393-408
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    References listed on IDEAS

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