Yuanna Tian , Yizhong Wang , Ye Hang , Dequn Zhou , Xiurong Hu , Qunwei Wang
{"title":"Decoupling economic growth from industrial SO2 emissions in China: A two-stage decomposition approach","authors":"Yuanna Tian , Yizhong Wang , Ye Hang , Dequn Zhou , Xiurong Hu , Qunwei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exploring the factors driving the decoupling of China’s sulfur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) emissions from economic growth (DEI) is crucial for achieving sustainable development. By analyzing the decoupling indicators and driving factors at both the generation and treatment stages of SO<sub>2</sub>, more effective targeted mitigation strategies can be developed. We employ the Tapio decoupling model and propose a two-stage method to examine the decoupling issues related to SO<sub>2</sub>. Our findings indicate that: ① DEI shows a steady and significant improvement, with SO<sub>2</sub> emission intensity identified as the primary driver. ② for the decoupling of economic growth and SO<sub>2</sub> generation, energy scale serves as the largest stimulator, while the effect of energy intensity changes from negative to positive, and pollution intensity is first positive and then negative. ③ For the decoupling of SO<sub>2</sub> generation and SO<sub>2</sub> removal, treatment efficiency leads as the largest promoter, followed by treatment intensity. Based on these results, this study recommends that China focuses more on enhancing clean energy utilization and the effectiveness of treatment processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 49-61"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yue Cai , Rencai Dong , Anxin Lian , Zerui Wang , Yiqiao Zhao , Qinrui Luo , Change Liu
{"title":"Analysis of hotspots of urban eco-environmental problems: A case study of Shenzhen City","authors":"Yue Cai , Rencai Dong , Anxin Lian , Zerui Wang , Yiqiao Zhao , Qinrui Luo , Change Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban eco-environmental management is a key focus in the modernization of national governance systems and governance capacity. Advanced information technology should be used to identify ecological problems in urban areas accurately while enhancing the environmental management capacity to promote the sustainable development of cities. This study centers on statistical data from PM<sub>2.5</sub> air monitoring stations in Shenzhen, China, and supplemental data, such as population distribution data from China Unicom’s mobile phone signaling. Data cleaning and fusion are used to construct a spatial dataset of an eco-environmental problem: PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. The geostatistical analysis tool ArcGIS is used to identify the most suitable interpolation method for reflecting this eco-environmental problem based on multiple parameter adjustments and repeated testing. A hotspot distribution map of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations is generated, and correlation analysis is conducted on the population density and distribution patterns in these hotspot areas. This enables the quantitative analysis and exploration of the spatial characteristics and coupling relationships of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. The results show a positive correlation between the PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration distribution and the points of interest, road network density, number of dead-end roads, and average building height in Shenzhen. No correlation is found between population and building densities and the PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration distribution, possibly due to the city’s effective environmental management and pollution control measures. These findings help advance the development of precise, scientific, legally compliant pollution control strategies and decision-making processes. Furthermore, they provide technical support for urban eco-environmental planning, management, and sustainable development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 106-113"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Can industrial agglomeration alleviate energy poverty? Evidence from China","authors":"Xiaomeng Zhao , Yichuan Xie , Qingzhe Jiang , Jun Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study determines whether industrial agglomeration can solve energy poverty (ENPO) by applying a provincial dataset (2002–2019) to assess the potential effect of industrial agglomeration on ENPO. Additionally, this study conducts an in-depth exploration of provincial heterogeneity and its influence mechanisms. The conclusions are as follows: ① Industrial agglomeration is negatively correlated with ENPO; by implication, enhancing industrial agglomeration is a driving force for reducing ENPO. ② The alleviating effect of industrial agglomeration on ENPO in the midwestern region is considerably higher than that in the eastern region, and the ENPO alleviation effect of the high agglomeration region is better than that in the low agglomeration region. ③ Foreign investment and energy efficiency have a mediating role, that is, they are valid transmission pathways for industrial agglomeration to solve the ENPO issue. Relevant policy suggestions for reducing ENPO by accelerating industrial agglomeration are proposed by drawing on the above three conclusions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 15-26"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pollution and carbon reduction effects of the pilot policy on clean winter heating in Northern China: Evidence from the county level","authors":"Yan Chen , Jiaqi Li , Yue Zhang , Fan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coal dependence and inefficient decentralized heating have significantly increased China’s energy consumption for winter heating, increasing air pollution and exacerbating the greenhouse effect. In 2017, China implemented the Pilot Policy on Clean Winter Heating in Northern China, aiming to achieve high central heating coverage and cleaner energy consumption. Studying the effects of this policy can help promote its implementation and serve as a reference for effective adjustment of the contents in the future. However, few studies have investigated this policy and its carbon reduction effects, and most focus on the provincial or city levels. Therefore, this paper considers the policy’s influence on air pollution and carbon emissions at the county level to provide a precise and comprehensive assessment of the policy effects. We use panel data from 1 290 counties in 15 provinces in Northern China from 2014 to 2021, applying a multiperiod difference-in-differences model to quantify the impact of the policy on carbon emissions and air quality in the pilot area. We then conduct a series of tests to demonstrate the robustness of the results and analyze the mechanisms of the policy effects from two perspectives, namely, central heating and natural gas use, through a mediating effect model. Finally, we examine the heterogeneity of policy effects between counties based on geographic location and per capita income levels of rural residents through a moderating effect model. The results reveal that the policy significantly reduces air pollution and carbon emissions in the pilot area by increasing the central heating area and natural gas use. Compared with the central and western regions in the north and areas with low-income rural residents, the policy effects in the eastern regions in the north and areas with high-income rural residents are more pronounced.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 85-95"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zerui Wang , Rencai Dong , Zongwei Zhu , Anxin Lian , Yue Cai
{"title":"Exploring a new model of urban sustainable development: The potential of oil tea as an ecological product in Guilin","authors":"Zerui Wang , Rencai Dong , Zongwei Zhu , Anxin Lian , Yue Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Based on the concept of “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, Chinese government is relying on the ecological and environmental characteristics of cities, in combination with modern ecological, economic, and sociological theories, to achieve sustainable urban development. However, the value realization of ecological products (EP) faces challenges in four major aspects: quantification, trading, transformation, and sustainability. At this stage, seeking breakthroughs to form a stable development path for the realization of the value of EPs is crucial. This paper examines the Guilin Sustainable Development Innovation Demonstration Zone and conducts a case study on oil tea, a characteristic EP. Based on the value realization of EPs, this paper analyzes the oil tea industry in terms of three functions: ecological protection, regional economic development, and traditional cultural support. Drawing on the theory of the gross ecosystem product, this paper examines the role of the value realization of oil tea in improving the quality of the urban living environment and ecosystem functions in Guilin. The results can help promote research on the shaping effects of endemic EPs on sustainable development with respect to the urban economy. Taking a human-centered perspective, the principles of landsenses ecology and traditional ecological knowledge can help analyze the social, historical, and cultural value of oil tea. Combined with on-site research data, a relationship map centered on oil tea culture is created to explore the importance of developing traditional cultural attributes of local EPs in promoting cultural customs, protecting the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, and driving the development of the cultural tourism industry. By constructing a sustainable urban development model centered on developing local characteristic EPs with the core elements of ecology–economy–traditional culture, this paper aims to strengthen the ecological protection function of cities, promote high-quality economic development, and enhance the soft power of traditional culture. It provides scientific support for the sustainable development planning in Guilin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 114-120"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zedong Yang , Hui Sun , Xuechao Xia , Xuefeng Zhang
{"title":"Spatiotemporal patterns and spatial dislocation with economic level of China’s ecological resilience","authors":"Zedong Yang , Hui Sun , Xuechao Xia , Xuefeng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ensuring a harmonious coexistence between man and nature is crucial for China’s economic and social development. However, with increasing industrialization and urbanization, there is a growing mismatch between China’s ecological resilience (ER) and economic level (EL) of development, which poses a notable social threat. Currently, the link between ER and EL in China remains unclear, especially in terms of spatial dislocation (SD), referring to the disconnect between the locations where environmental impacts occur and those where economic benefits or activities are concentrated. Therefore, this paper aims to provide theoretical support and an empirical basis for policy-based solutions to address this gap. Based on the SD theory, this study systematically discusses the temporal changes, spatial patterns, and SD characteristics of China’s ER and EL using spatial auto-correlation and barycentric analysis to analyze data from 30 provinces covering the period 2011–2021. The key results are as follows. China’s ER shows a general trend of growth; however, its distribution is uneven. The spatial pattern generally decreases from the southeastern coastal provinces to the northwest. Moreover, a gradually increasing positive correlation is observed between the ER and EL, but this correlation varies by region, with some showing regional linkages and others developing independently. Finally, the dislocation index of ER and EL presents divergent results based on region—the eastern and central regions primarily show a high level of dislocation, whereas the western and northeastern regions show a low level of dislocation. The results provide a comprehensive overview of the spatiotemporal patterns in the association between ER and EL in China. The results emphasize that to balance sustainable regional development and ecological governance, a region-specific approach must be employed, prioritizing innovation-driven strategies for high ER in more developed regions and market-oriented strategies in less developed regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 40-48"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Supply chain integrated merger and acquisitions (M&As) and firm energy performance","authors":"Fengxiang Zhao , Bo Wang , Mei Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the impact of upstream merger and acquisition (M&A) activities driven by supply chain integration motives on firm energy performance. By developing a microlevel theoretical framework, we examine the intricate relationship between firms’ upstream M&A strategies geared toward supply chain integration and their energy efficiency. We examine the impact of upstream M&A activities on energy performance using data from Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2021. Our findings reveal that upstream M&A initiatives can enhance firms’ energy efficiency, although there are discernible variations in the effects observed for M&A activities targeted downstream or within the same industry. By examining mechanisms, we elucidate the pivotal roles of input substitution effects and productivity enhancements through which upstream M&As boost energy performance. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the catalyzing impact of M&A activities in fostering collaborative innovation in green technologies among firms and suppliers, thus improving productivity and energy efficiency. We provide new microlevel evidence of the relationship between M&A transactions and corporate energy efficiency from upstream and downstream perspectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 27-39"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Breaking down the barriers to clean air: The effects of China’s Zero-Waste City policy on PM2.5 concentration","authors":"Wei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As urbanization accelerates globally, air pollution—particularly PM<sub>2.5</sub>—is becoming an increasingly significant threat, not only to public health but also the environment. In-depth research on the impact of China’s Zero-Waste City pilot policy on PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration offers valuable insights into the policy’s effectiveness and provides a potential model for environmental governance worldwide. This study employs panel data from 293 Chinese cities from 2014 to 2022 to systematically analyze the impact of the Zero-Waste City policy on PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration using a difference-in-differences model. The findings indicate that the policy not only directly reduces PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration but also indirectly curbs PM<sub>2.5</sub> emissions by enhancing green innovation and green economic efficiency. Moreover, the policy’s effects are found to be positively moderated by urban energy dependence and digital financial inclusion, while they are negatively moderated by the government debt ratio. Based on these findings, this study suggests that cities should actively develop their digital economy, reduce government debt, promote green innovation, and improve green economic efficiency, as doing so will enhance their implementation of environmental policies and promote sustainable urban development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 75-84"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Scenario analysis of the environmental impacts of breeding structure change from the perspective of farming and breeding balance in Northeast China","authors":"Zhe Zhao , Sijian Jiang , Xuanchang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study uses prefecture-level city statistical data from China from 2000–2022 to measure the supply and demand of livestock manure nitrogen nutrients and calculates farmland livestock carrying capacity using the nitrogen nutrient balance method. We investigate nitrogen supply and demand and livestock carrying capacity in northeast China by comparing emissions from 2000–2022 over the past several decades. The poultry and livestock industry in northeast China has changed significantly over the past two decades: pigs are now the most bred animal and poultry production has increased dramatically. Regional livestock nitrogen emissions are influenced primarily by the size of the local livestock industry chain. Due to regional differences, each region has unique breeding structures. We also predict the anticipated situation in 2050 using the business-as-usual scenario. High-risk livestock carrying capacity areas will be concentrated in the northeast and southeast regions, with significantly increased risk indices, compared with those of 2022, particularly in Shenyang, Fushun, and Tieling. Therefore, promoting farming and breeding, improving livestock manure utilization, and returning manure to nearby farmlands are crucial for meeting agricultural green development goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 132-142"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comprehensive index of extreme climate risk in China and urban sustainable development","authors":"Feng Dong , Siqing Wang , Guang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cjpre.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change severely challenges our ecosystem and society, affecting urban residents’ socioeconomic activities. Thus, assessing severe weather risk is crucial for evaluating urban sustainability; understanding trends, causes, and impacts on socioeconomic development; and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13. Using meteorological data from 1980 to 2020, we investigate five disaster-causing severe weather events in China and construct a comprehensive index of extreme climate risk (CIECR) at the county, city, province, and national levels. The CIECR can identify high-risk regions and primary severe weather events and provide early warnings. We empirically test the impact of extreme climate risks on agricultural production, industrial structure, and labor employment. The results show high risks in Xinjiang, northern Inner Mongolia, and southern regions, with high temperatures, low temperatures, and high winds as the leading risks. At the national level, the extreme climate risk fluctuates, indicating climate warming. While risks reduce agricultural production and employment, they promote modern agriculture, industrial production, and urbanization. The novelty of the study lies in its development of the county-level CIECR, which can capture heterogeneity characteristics and provide microdata support for urban climate change research and efforts toward SDG 13. This study aids in mitigating climate risks; responding to climate change; and comprehensively analyzing the causes, trends, and impacts of extreme climate risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45743,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment","volume":"23 1","pages":"Pages 62-74"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}