Unveiling the power of unity: A novel examination of regional cooperation in mitigating air pollution

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 365; p. 121556
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xianchun, You, Chen, Chen, Shouqiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Air pollution; Air Pollution - prevention & control; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Greater bay area; Hong Kong; News data; PM2.5; Regional cooperation; Hong Kong; Air pollution; News data; Regional cooperation; PM2.5; Greater bay area; PM(2.5)
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121556

Amidst escalating environmental concerns, regional cooperation has emerged as a potent strategy for environmental preservation. Yet, the potency of such cooperation in curbing air pollution remains largely unexplored and nebulous. Drawing upon a decade-long (2010–2019) new data from the dynamic Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), this study seeks to fill these knowledge gaps. Our findings underscore the transformative potential of regional cooperation in mitigating air pollution. By catalyzing technological advancements, fostering structural shifts in businesses, and reshaping land-use patterns, regional cooperation paves the way for a cleaner, healthier environment. A deeper dive into the heterogeneity reveals that "top to bottom" city agreements within regional cooperation frameworks significantly enhance air quality. While institutional and economic collaborations prove instrumental in reducing air pollution, social cooperation appears to have a lesser impact. Research findings indicate that the future will necessitate strengthening formal, institutionalized regional cooperation to address potential challenges posed by environmental pollution. •The regional cooperation can mitigating air pollution.•The technological advancements, structural shifts in businesses, and land-use patterns reshaping are effective mechanisms.•Regional cooperation manifests in diverse forms, each exhibiting varying impacts on the same entity.•The findings have significant implications for governments.