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The nonlinear influence of innovation efficiency on carbon and haze co-control: the threshold effect of environmental decentralization

Author

Listed:
  • Sai Yuan

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Xiongfeng Pan

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Mengna Li

    (Dalian University of Technology)

Abstract

Environmental decentralization is an important prerequisite and institutional foundation for China’s carbon and haze co-control. Prior research has answered the influence of environmental decentralization on carbon mitigation or haze control. Few studies have analyzed the influence of innovation efficiency on carbon and haze co-control in the context of environmental decentralization. Research on how to achieve the optimal allocation of environmental decentralization is rare. Based on an analysis of the dynamic evolution trends in China’s carbon emissions, haze pollution, environmental decentralization, and innovation efficiency from 2006 to 2018 by exploiting kernel density estimation, this study examines the environmental decentralization threshold effect of innovation efficiency on carbon and haze co-control by employing dynamic threshold model and investigates reasonable allocation of environmental decentralization. The results revealed that, first, China’s provincial carbon emissions and environmental decentralization performed an increasing trend. Haze pollution and innovation efficiency demonstrated a downward trend. Second, when environmental decentralization increases, the influence of innovation efficiency on carbon emissions presents a W-shape, whereas the influence of innovation efficiency on haze pollution follows an inverted N-shape. Third, there are remarkable heterogeneous environmental decentralization threshold effects on the influence of innovation efficiency on carbon and haze co-control. Fourth, appropriate environmental decentralization can enhance carbon and haze co-control effects of innovation efficiency. The central government entails appropriate empowerment of local governments in environmental administration and supervision authority but decreases the environmental monitoring authority of local governments.

Suggested Citation

  • Sai Yuan & Xiongfeng Pan & Mengna Li, 2023. "The nonlinear influence of innovation efficiency on carbon and haze co-control: the threshold effect of environmental decentralization," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(12), pages 14283-14307, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:25:y:2023:i:12:d:10.1007_s10668-022-02664-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02664-1
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