From shadows to spotlight: NGO pollution disclosure and the dual transformation of environmental and tourism landscapes

In an era where traditional environmental governance faces mounting challenges, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as pivotal actors in bridging information gaps that constrain effective pollution control and sustainable economic development. This study exploits the staggered implementation of pollution information disclosure by NGOs across Chinese cities since 2008 to investigate its environmental and economic impacts. The results demonstrate that enhanced transparency in pollution data leads to a significant reduction of fine particulate matter by 2.44 %, driven by increased governmental attention, public petitions, green innovation, and industrial restructuring. Additionally, the disclosure of pollution information contributes to a rise in per capita tourism revenue by ¥2611.8, facilitated by improvements in labor productivity and heightened travel demand. The positive effects of pollution disclosure are particularly pronounced in Han-majority regions, especially those boasting a higher concentration of prestigious tourist attractions, whereas minority regions experience a comparatively limited impact. Cost-benefit analyses reveal that the advantages of non-state-led transparency governance substantially outweigh the associated costs. These findings provide compelling evidence for policymakers to integrate NGO-driven environmental disclosure mechanisms into broader sustainable development frameworks. Furthermore, the research offers a replicable model for emerging economies seeking to harness information transparency as a driver of environmental accountability and economic prosperity.