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Urbanisation and the geographic concentration of industrial SO2 emissions in China

Author

Listed:
  • Zekai He

    (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China)

  • Xiuzhen Shi

    (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China)

  • Xinhao Wang

    (University of Cincinnati, USA)

  • Yuwei Xu

    (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China)

Abstract

This paper studies the mechanisms linking urbanisation and industrial SO 2 emissions using panel data that enable us to trace the environmental impact of the urban transformation of China’s economy from a rural to a largely urban society. We provide evidence of stylised facts on spatial patterns and temporal changes of industrial SO 2 emissions in China. Over time, industrial SO 2 emissions show increasing levels in small and medium-sized cities but slightly decreasing levels in some large cities. The results show that urbanisation is one of the main driving forces behind emissions and the increase in the urbanisation level is likely to exacerbate emissions. Emissions are more sensitive to industrialisation than urbanisation, indicating that industrialisation remains a key industrial SO 2 pollution contributor in China. Industrial emissions abatement policies in China should be designed by considering the spatial differences of emissions and the pace of urbanisation, although the increase of urbanisation is associated with benefits such as poverty reduction and economic growth. The reduction of industrial SO 2 emissions requires coordinated approaches by adjusting the pace of urbanisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zekai He & Xiuzhen Shi & Xinhao Wang & Yuwei Xu, 2017. "Urbanisation and the geographic concentration of industrial SO2 emissions in China," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 54(15), pages 3579-3596, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:54:y:2017:i:15:p:3579-3596
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098016669915
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    Cited by:

    1. Yun Luo & Pengcheng Xiang & Yiming Wang, 2020. "Investigate the Relationship between Urbanization and Industrialization using a Coordination Model: A Case Study of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Ruoyu Yang & Weidong Chen, 2019. "Spatial Correlation, Influencing Factors and Environmental Supervision on Mechanism Construction of Atmospheric Pollution: An Empirical Study on SO 2 Emissions in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-13, March.
    3. Yiming Wang & Pengcheng Xiang, 2018. "Urban Sprawl Sustainability of Mountainous Cities in the Context of Climate Change Adaptability Using a Coupled Coordination Model: A Case Study of Chongqing, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.

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