The impact of technological progress on China's haze pollution-based on decomposition and rebound research

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Mar;29(15):22306-22324. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-16895-8. Epub 2021 Nov 16.

Abstract

In order to effectively analyze and explore the socio-economic impact of haze pollution, the article constructs a comprehensive two-stage decomposition model to verify that technological progress plays a key role in controlling haze pollution. And for the first time, a macro-level research framework for the rebound effect of haze pollution has been constructed to compare and analyze the heterogeneity of the rebound effect of technological progress in different industries in different regions. The study found that (1) during the period 2000-2017, haze pollution situation deteriorated. Economic effects were the main reasons for haze pollution. Among these effects, technological progress was the main driving force for haze control, followed by the emission intensity during 2000-2011 and the reduction of industrial structure since 2014. (2) The significant drive of emission reduction is in the secondary industry, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Besides, there was a difference in spatial distribution, which shows an increased trend from east to west. (3) The rebound effect of haze pollution at the macro level in China presented high-level fluctuations, and there were certain spatial distribution differences. However, due to the convergence of technological development stages, regional differences have a gradual convergence trend. In the future, in the process of haze control, it is necessary to increase support for technological innovation, implement energy total control and price reform, promote technological progress, and implement differentiated haze reduction policies to solve problems according to local conditions.

Keywords: Decomposition analysis; Haze pollution; Rebound effect; Technological progress.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Air Pollution* / analysis
  • China
  • Economic Development
  • Environmental Pollution / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants