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High-speed rail, technological improvement, and PM2.5: Evidence from China

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  • Su, Weijian
  • Xie, Chengxuan

Abstract

This study estimated the effects and mechanisms of high-speed rail (HSR) connectivity on the city air quality in China. The Difference-in-Difference model are used to explore the effects, we found that on average, the city's PM2.5 concentration declined by 2.8 % after the opening of HSR, however, this impact varies depending on whether the city is part of the Ecological Economic Zone and the marketization degree. We further explored that HSR can affect local PM2.5 concentrations by changing firm's technical level. In instrumental variables regression and robustness testing, the conclusion remains unchanged. The results highlight the significance of considering firm responses to HSR in understanding the spatial patterns of air pollution in China.

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  • Su, Weijian & Xie, Chengxuan, 2023. "High-speed rail, technological improvement, and PM2.5: Evidence from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 1349-1362.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:80:y:2023:i:c:p:1349-1362
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.10.020
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    2. Mengyu Zhang & Xiaoyu Ma & Jiamin Liu, 2024. "Can Infrastructure Upgrading Achieve the Synergistic Effect of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Reduction? Evidence from the High-Speed Rail and “Broadband China” Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-22, February.

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