Changes in urban air quality during urbanization in China

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 188; pp. 312 - 321
• Main Authors: Lin, Boqiang, Zhu, Junpeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2018
• Subjects: air pollutants; air pollution; Air quality; bayesian Model Average; Bayesian theory; China; cities; Environmental Kuznets Curve; industry; particulates; population density; sulfur dioxide; temperature; Urbanization; vehicles (equipment); China; Environmental Kuznets Curve; Urbanization; Air quality; bayesian Model Average
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.03.293

This paper primarily studies the air quality in China's cities during the urbanization stage. Using a cross-sectional data of 282 cities, we discuss the influencing factors and the existence of the Kuznets Curve for three air pollutants based on the EKC (Environmental Kuznets Curve) theory and the BMA (Bayesian Model Average) method. The results show that the concentration of SO2 and PM10 presents the characteristics of an inverse-U shape. The urbanization process has a significant and negative effect on air pollutant concentration, which means that cities with higher urbanization rate tends to have lower air pollutant concentration. Population density, possession of civil motor vehicles, the proportion of secondary industry, and annual average temperature are the main influencing factors of air pollution. Based on these results, this paper suggests that China should speed up the “new” type urbanization process, constantly optimize the industrial structure, and promote the harmonious development of the economy and environment.