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Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries
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Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2019) | Viewed by 49072

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Weixin Yang

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Guest Editor
Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: digital economy and finance; sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Guanghui Yuan

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Guest Editor
School of Information Management and Engineering & Fintech Research institute, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China
Interests: system modeling; information economy; data mining; algorithm design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Air pollution is a critical challenge faced by the world, especially in developing countries. During the rapid economic growth and remarkable pace of industrialization of typical developing countries, such as China and India, massive amounts of fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum, and natural gas, have been consumed. In addition to the traditional pollution from fossil fuels and sandstorm, fine atmospheric pollutants, such as PM2.5, PM10, and O3 continue to emerge and are compounded to create new hazards. Air pollution not only affects the public health and quality of life in developing countries, but also poses a threat to the sustainable development of their economy and society. How to quickly and efficiently control air pollution in developing countries has become a common concern in academia.

In order to scientifically measure and improve air quality, the U.S. established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the 1970s and published the first Pollution Standards Index. In 1999, the EPA added the measurement of daily average PM2.5 concentration into their PSI, which formed an independent Air Quality Index (AQI). After that, major developed countries constructed their own air quality assessment system respectively. The World Health Organization and various scientific research institutions have also established their air quality measurement standards with constant improvements. Based on that, the academies conducted in-depth studies on air quality measurement, and offered amendment suggestions to the current measurement indicator system.

Therefore, we organized this Special Issue to discuss the effectiveness of current air quality assessment standards in developing countries, the impact of air quality governance policies based on those standards, and how to improve those standards to effectively achieve sustainable development.

Submissions for this Special Issue could relate, but are not limited, to the following topics about developing countries:

  • Spatial and temporal characteristics of air pollution and their impact on current air quality assessment standards
  • The compatibility of current AQI standards and sustainable development
  • The effectiveness of air pollution control policy based on current AQI standards
  • The impact of air pollution control policy on sustainable development
  • Multinational cooperative prevention and control of air pollution under existing air quality assessment standards
  • How to improve current air quality assessment standards for promoting sustainable development

Prof. Dr. Weixin Yang
Prof. Dr. Guanghui Yuan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Air pollution
  • Air quality assessment standards
  • Air Quality Index (AQI)
  • Governance policies
  • Sustainable development

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Cointegration Relationship between China’s Wind Power Development and Carbon Emissions
by Wenhui Zhao, Ruican Zou, Guanghui Yuan, Hui Wang and Zhongfu Tan
Sustainability 2019, 11(17), 4625; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11174625 - 26 Aug 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2347
Abstract
Faced with the deterioration of the environment and resource shortages, countries have turned their attention to renewable energy and have actively researched and applied renewable energy. At present, a large number of studies have shown that renewable energy can effectively improve the environment [...] Read more.
Faced with the deterioration of the environment and resource shortages, countries have turned their attention to renewable energy and have actively researched and applied renewable energy. At present, a large number of studies have shown that renewable energy can effectively improve the environment and control the reduction of resources. However, there are few studies on how renewable energy improves the environment through its influencing factors. Therefore, this paper mainly analyses the relationship between wind energy and carbon emissions in renewable energy and uses Chinese data as an example for the case analysis. Based on the model and test methods, this paper uses the 1990–2018 data from the China Energy Statistical Yearbook to study and analyse the correlation between wind energy and carbon emissions and finally gives suggestions for wind energy development based on environmental improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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14 pages, 1940 KiB  
Article
A Novel Linear Time-Varying GM(1,N) Model for Forecasting Haze: A Case Study of Beijing, China
by Pingping Xiong, Jia Shi, Lingling Pei and Song Ding
Sustainability 2019, 11(14), 3832; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11143832 - 13 Jul 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Haze is the greatest challenge facing China’s sustainable development, and it seriously affects China’s economy, society, ecology and human health. Based on the uncertainty and suddenness of haze, this paper proposes a novel linear time-varying grey model (GM)(1,N) based on interval grey number [...] Read more.
Haze is the greatest challenge facing China’s sustainable development, and it seriously affects China’s economy, society, ecology and human health. Based on the uncertainty and suddenness of haze, this paper proposes a novel linear time-varying grey model (GM)(1,N) based on interval grey number sequences. Because the original GM(1,N) model based on interval grey number sequences has constant parameters, it neglects the dynamic change characteristics of parameters over time. Therefore, this novel linear time-varying GM(1,N) model, based on interval grey number sequences, is established on the basis of the original GM(1,N) model by introducing a linear time polynomial. To verify the validity and practicability of this model, this paper selects the data of PM10, SO2 and NO2 concentrations in Beijing, China, from 2008 to 2018, to establish a linear time-varying GM(1,3) model based on interval grey number sequences, and the prediction results are compared with the original GM(1,3) model. The result indicates that the prediction effect of the novel model is better than that of the original model. Finally, this model is applied to forecast PM10 concentration for 2019 to 2021 in Beijing, and the forecast is made to provide a reference for the government to carry out haze control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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22 pages, 552 KiB  
Article
Study on Development Sustainability of Atmospheric Environment in Northeast China by Rough Set and Entropy Weight Method
by Yuangang Li, Maohua Sun, Guanghui Yuan, Qi Zhou and Jinyue Liu
Sustainability 2019, 11(14), 3793; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11143793 - 11 Jul 2019
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2400
Abstract
In order to evaluate the atmospheric environment sustainability in the provinces of Northeast China, this paper has constructed a comprehensive evaluation model based on the rough set and entropy weight methods. This paper first constructs a Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model with a pressure layer, [...] Read more.
In order to evaluate the atmospheric environment sustainability in the provinces of Northeast China, this paper has constructed a comprehensive evaluation model based on the rough set and entropy weight methods. This paper first constructs a Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model with a pressure layer, state layer and response layer, as well as an atmospheric environment evaluation system consisting of 17 indicators. Then, this paper obtains the weight of different indicators by using the rough set method and conducts equal-width discrete analysis and clustering analysis by using SPSS software. This paper has found that different discrete methods will end up with different reduction sets and multiple indicators sharing the same weight. Therefore, this paper has further introduced the entropy weight method based on the weight solution determined by rough sets and solved the attribute reduction sets of different layers by using the Rosetta software. Finally, this paper has further proved the rationality of this evaluation model for atmospheric environment sustainability by comparing the results with those of the entropy weight method alone and those of the rough set method alone. The results show that the sustainability level of the atmospheric environment in Northeast China provinces has first improved, and then worsened, with the atmospheric environment sustainability level reaching the highest level of 0.9275 in 2014, while dropping to the lowest level of 0.6027 in 2017. Therefore, future efforts should focus on reducing the pressure layer and expanding the response layer. Based on analysis of the above evaluation results, this paper has further offered recommendations and solutions for the improvement of atmospheric environment sustainability in the three provinces of Northeast China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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18 pages, 2750 KiB  
Article
Primary Pollutants and Air Quality Analysis for Urban Air in China: Evidence from Shanghai
by Ying Yan, Yuangang Li, Maohua Sun and Zhenhua Wu
Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2319; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11082319 - 17 Apr 2019
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4569
Abstract
In recent years, China’s urban air pollution has caused widespread concern in the academic world. As one of China’s economic and financial centers and one of the most densely populated cities, Shanghai ranks among the top in China in terms of per capita [...] Read more.
In recent years, China’s urban air pollution has caused widespread concern in the academic world. As one of China’s economic and financial centers and one of the most densely populated cities, Shanghai ranks among the top in China in terms of per capita energy consumption per unit area. Based on the Shanghai Energy Statistical Yearbook and Shanghai Air Pollution Statistics, we have systematically analyzed Shanghai’s atmospheric pollutants from three aspects: Primary pollutants, pollutants changing trends, and fine particulate matter. The comprehensive pollution index analysis method, the grey correlation analysis method, and the Euclid approach degree method are used to evaluate and analyze the air quality in Shanghai. The results have shown that Shanghai’s primary pollutants are PM2.5 and O3, and the most serious air pollution happens during the first half of the year, particularly in the winter. This is because it is the peak period of industrial energy use, and residential heating will also lead to an increase in energy consumption. Furthermore, by studying the particulate pollutants of PM2.5 and PM10, we clearly disclosed the linear correlation between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in Shanghai which varies seasonally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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19 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Application of Fuzzy Optimization Model Based on Entropy Weight Method in Atmospheric Quality Evaluation: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province, China
by Xiaodan Wang and Zhengyu Yang
Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 2143; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11072143 - 10 Apr 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
A fuzzy optimization model based on the entropy weight method for investigating air pollution problems in various cities of Zhejiang Province, China has been proposed in this paper. Meanwhile, the air quality comprehensive evaluation system has been constructed based on the six major [...] Read more.
A fuzzy optimization model based on the entropy weight method for investigating air pollution problems in various cities of Zhejiang Province, China has been proposed in this paper. Meanwhile, the air quality comprehensive evaluation system has been constructed based on the six major pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5 and O3) involved in China’s current air quality national standards. After analyzing the monthly data of six pollutants in 11 cities of Zhejiang Province from January 2015 to April 2018 by the above method, the authors found that, although the air quality of cities in Zhejiang Province did not reach the long-term serious pollution of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, the air quality changes in the northern cities of Zhejiang were worse than those in southern Zhejiang. For example, the air quality of Shaoxing in northern Zhejiang has dropped by 14.85% in the last study period when compared with that of the beginning period, and Hangzhou, the provincial capital of Zhejiang, has also seen a decrease of 6.69% in air quality. The air quality of Lishui, Zhoushan and Wenzhou in southern Zhejiang has improved by 8.04%, 4.67% and 4.22% respectively. Apart from the geographical influence, the industrial structure of these cities is also an important cause for worse air quality. From the local areas in southern Zhejiang, cities have developed targeted air pollution control measures according to their own characteristics, including adjusting the industrial structure, changing the current energy consumption structure that heavily relies on coal, and improving laws and regulations on air pollution control, etc. In the four cities in central Zhejiang, the air quality at the end of the period (April 2018) has decreased from the beginning of the period (January 2015), given that there were no fundamental changes in their industrial structure and energy pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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20 pages, 2413 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Variabilities of PM2.5 Concentrations in China Using Functional Data Analysis
by Deqing Wang, Zhangqi Zhong, Kaixu Bai and Lingyun He
Sustainability 2019, 11(6), 1620; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11061620 - 18 Mar 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2942
Abstract
As air pollution characterized by fine particulate matter has become one of the most serious environmental issues in China, a critical understanding of the behavior of major pollutant is increasingly becoming very important for air pollution prevention and control. The main concern of [...] Read more.
As air pollution characterized by fine particulate matter has become one of the most serious environmental issues in China, a critical understanding of the behavior of major pollutant is increasingly becoming very important for air pollution prevention and control. The main concern of this study is, within the framework of functional data analysis, to compare the fluctuation patterns of PM2.5 concentration between provinces from 1998 to 2016 in China, both spatially and temporally. By converting these discrete PM2.5 concentration values into a smoothing curve with a roughness penalty, the continuous process of PM2.5 concentration for each province was presented. The variance decomposition via functional principal component analysis indicates that the highest mean and largest variability of PM2.5 concentration occurred during the period from 2003 to 2012, during which national environmental protection policies were intensively issued. However, the beginning and end stages indicate equal variability, which was far less than that of the middle stage. Since the PM2.5 concentration curves showed different fluctuation patterns in each province, the adaptive clustering analysis combined with functional analysis of variance were adopted to explore the categories of PM2.5 concentration curves. The classification result shows that: (1) there existed eight patterns of PM2.5 concentration among 34 provinces, and the difference among different patterns was significant whether from a static perspective or multiple dynamic perspectives; (2) air pollution in China presents a characteristic of high-emission “club” agglomeration. Comparative analysis of PM2.5 profiles showed that the heavy pollution areas could rapidly adjust their emission levels according to the environmental protection policies, whereas low pollution areas characterized by the tourism industry would rationally support the opportunity of developing the economy at the expense of environment and resources. This study not only introduces an advanced technique to extract additional information implied in the functions of PM2.5 concentration, but also provides empirical suggestions for government policies directed to reduce or eliminate the haze pollution fundamentally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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21 pages, 1282 KiB  
Article
Evaluating China’s Air Pollution Control Policy with Extended AQI Indicator System: Example of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
by Guanghui Yuan and Weixin Yang
Sustainability 2019, 11(3), 939; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11030939 - 12 Feb 2019
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5808
Abstract
This paper calculated and evaluated the air quality of 13 cities in China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region from February 2015 to January 2018 based on the extended AQI (Air Quality Index) Indicator System. By capturing the heterogeneous information in major pollutant indicators and the [...] Read more.
This paper calculated and evaluated the air quality of 13 cities in China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region from February 2015 to January 2018 based on the extended AQI (Air Quality Index) Indicator System. By capturing the heterogeneous information in major pollutant indicators and the standardization process, we depicted the important effect of other relevant features of pollutant indicators beyond single-point data. Based on that, we further calculated the assessment value of the air quality of different cities in the BTH region by using the Collaborative Filtering Backward Cloud Model to construct differentiated weights of different indicators. With help of the Back Propagation (BP) Neutral Network, we simulated the effect of the pollution control policies of the Chinese government targeting air pollution since March 2016. Our conclusion is: the pollution control policies have improved the air quality of Beijing by 55.74%, and improved the air quality of Tianjin by 34.38%; while the migration of polluting enterprises from Beijing and Tianjin has caused different changes in air quality in different cities of Hebei province—we saw air quality deterioration by 58.60% and 38.68% in Shijiazhuang and Handan city respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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20 pages, 6346 KiB  
Article
Does Whistleblowing Work for Air Pollution Control in China? A Study Based on Three-party Evolutionary Game Model under Incomplete Information
by Yunpeng Yang and Weixin Yang
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 324; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11020324 - 10 Jan 2019
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 5390
Abstract
During China’s air pollution campaign, whistleblowing has become an important way for the central government to discover local environmental issues. The three parties involved in whistleblowing are: the central government environmental protection departments, the local government officials, and the whistleblowers. Based on these [...] Read more.
During China’s air pollution campaign, whistleblowing has become an important way for the central government to discover local environmental issues. The three parties involved in whistleblowing are: the central government environmental protection departments, the local government officials, and the whistleblowers. Based on these players, this paper has constructed an Evolutionary Game Model under incomplete information and introduced the expected return as well as replicator dynamics equations of various game agents based on analysis of the game agents, assumptions, and payoff functions of the model in order to study the strategic dynamic trend and stability of the evolutionary game model. Furthermore, this paper has conducted simulation experiments on the evolution of game agents’ behaviors by combining the constraints and replicator dynamics equations. The conclusions are: the central environmental protection departments are able to effectively improve the environmental awareness of local government officials by measures such as strengthening punishment on local governments that do not pay attention to pollution issues and lowering the cost of whistleblowing, thus nurturing a good governance and virtuous circle among the central environmental protection departments, local government officials, and whistleblowers. Based on the study above, this paper has provided policy recommendations in the conclusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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14 pages, 2980 KiB  
Article
Issuances of Automotive Vehicles and the Impacts on Air Quality in the Largest City in the Brazilian Amazon
by Elizabeth Cartaxo, Ilsa Valois, Vladimiro Miranda and Marcia Costa
Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4091; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10114091 - 08 Nov 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2798
Abstract
Manaus, a city of more than two million people, suffers problems arising from strong sunlight and aggravated by several factors, such as traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions generated by evaporation and burning of fuel. The present study examined Carbon Monoxide (CO) and [...] Read more.
Manaus, a city of more than two million people, suffers problems arising from strong sunlight and aggravated by several factors, such as traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions generated by evaporation and burning of fuel. The present study examined Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions in an urban area of the city using different methodologies. CO and NO2 were measured using automated and passive analyzers, respectively. Meanwhile, direct monitoring of these pollutants was performed in vehicular sources in the vicinity of sampling locations. Results showed that levels of carbon monoxide vary over time, being higher during peak movement of vehicles. NO2 values have exceeded the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), and monitoring at source showed high levels of CO and NO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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12 pages, 2645 KiB  
Article
Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Ammonia Emissions from Livestock Farming in the Red River Delta, Vietnam: An Inventory and Projection for 2000–2030
by An Ha Truong, Minh Thuy Kim, Thi Thu Nguyen, Ngoc Tung Nguyen and Quang Trung Nguyen
Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3826; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10103826 - 22 Oct 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5970
Abstract
Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions. In this study, we estimate methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emission from livestock sector in the Red River Delta region from 2000 to 2015 and provide a projection to 2030 using [...] Read more.
Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions. In this study, we estimate methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emission from livestock sector in the Red River Delta region from 2000 to 2015 and provide a projection to 2030 using IPCC 2006 methodologies with the integration of local emission factors and provincial statistic livestock database. Methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions from livestock farming in the Red River Delta in 2030 are estimated at 132 kt, 8.3 kt and 34.2 kt, respectively. Total global warming potential is estimated at 5.9 MtCO2eq in 2030 and accounts for 33% of projected greenhouse gas emissions from livestock in Vietnam. Pig farming is responsible for half of both greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions in the Red River Delta region. Cattle is another major livestock responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and poultry is one that is responsible for ammonia emissions. Hanoi contributes for the largest emissions in the region in 2015 but will be surpassed by other provinces in Vietnam by 2030. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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16 pages, 691 KiB  
Article
A New Study on Air Quality Standards: Air Quality Measurement and Evaluation for Jiangsu Province Based on Six Major Air Pollutants
by Xueyan Liu and Xiaolong Gao
Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10103561 - 05 Oct 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3598
Abstract
China’s current Air Quality Index (AQI) system only considers one air pollutant which has the highest concentration value. In order to comprehensively evaluate the urban air quality of Jiangsu Province, this paper has studied the air quality of 13 cities in that province [...] Read more.
China’s current Air Quality Index (AQI) system only considers one air pollutant which has the highest concentration value. In order to comprehensively evaluate the urban air quality of Jiangsu Province, this paper has studied the air quality of 13 cities in that province from April 2015 to March 2018 based on an expanded AQI system that includes six major air pollutants. After expanding the existing air quality evaluation standards of China, this paper has calculated the air quality evaluation scores of cities in Jiangsu Province based on the six major air pollutants by using the improved Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model. This paper has further analyzed the effectiveness of air pollution control policies in Jiangsu Province and its different cities during the study period. The findings are as follows: there are distinct differences in air quality for different cities in Jiangsu Province; except for coastal cities such as Nantong, Yancheng and Lianyungang, the southern cities of Jiangsu generally have better air quality than the northern cities. The causes of these differences include not only natural factors such as geographical location and wind direction, but also economic factors and energy structure. In addition, air pollution control policies have achieved significant results in Nantong, Changzhou, Wuxi, Yangzhou, Suzhou, Yancheng, Zhenjiang, Tai’an and Lianyungang. Among them, Nantong has seen the biggest improvement, 20.28%; Changzhou and Wuxi have improved their air quality by more than 10%, while Yangzhou, Suzhou, and Yancheng have improved their air quality by more than 5%. However, the air quality of Nanjing, Huai’an, Xuzhou, and Suqian has worsened by different degrees compared that of the last period within the beginning period, during which Suqian’s air quality has declined by 20.07% and Xuzhou’s by 16.32%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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16 pages, 571 KiB  
Article
Performance-Based or Politic-Related Decomposition of Environmental Targets: A Multilevel Analysis in China
by Pan Zhang and Jiannan Wu
Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3410; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10103410 - 25 Sep 2018
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2671
Abstract
China relies on the total pollutant emission control and environmental target responsibility system to curb environmental pollution and improve energy conversation. How the central government breaks down environmental targets among provincial governments lies at the core, but little research has been done to [...] Read more.
China relies on the total pollutant emission control and environmental target responsibility system to curb environmental pollution and improve energy conversation. How the central government breaks down environmental targets among provincial governments lies at the core, but little research has been done to explore the determinants of environmental target-setting empirically. This work models the decomposition process of environmental targets by focusing on the roles of historical performance and provinces’ political status. With the method of hierarchical linear model, data on five kinds of environmental obligatory targets (energy consumption per unit GDP and other four kinds of pollutants) during China’s “12th Five-year Plan” period is used to test the hypotheses. The results show that provincial historical structural performance is negatively significantly correlated with their environmental target levels, while the effects of historical scale performance and intensity performance are not significant. Besides, provinces with higher political rankings tend to be allocated higher targets, which is in accordance with the model effect hypothesis rather than the bargaining effect hypothesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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15 pages, 3940 KiB  
Article
Relevance Analysis on the Variety Characteristics of PM2.5 Concentrations in Beijing, China
by Binxu Zhai, Jianguo Chen, Wenwen Yin and Zhongliang Huang
Sustainability 2018, 10(9), 3228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10093228 - 10 Sep 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3279
Abstract
Air pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems in the world. Considering Beijing and six surrounding cities as main research areas, this study takes the daily average pollutant concentrations and meteorological factors from 2 December 2013 to 30 June 2017 [...] Read more.
Air pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems in the world. Considering Beijing and six surrounding cities as main research areas, this study takes the daily average pollutant concentrations and meteorological factors from 2 December 2013 to 30 June 2017 into account and studies the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and the relevant relationship of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentrations in Beijing. Based on correlation analysis and geo-statistics techniques, the inter-annual, seasonal, and diurnal variation trends and temporal spatial distribution characteristics of PM2.5 concentration in Beijing are studied. The study results demonstrate that the pollutant concentrations in Beijing exhibit obvious seasonal and cyclical fluctuation patterns. Air pollution is more serious in winter and spring and slightly better in summer and autumn, with the spatial distribution of pollutants fluctuating dramatically in different seasons. The pollution in southern Beijing areas is more serious and the air quality in northern areas is better in general. The diurnal variation of air quality shows a typical seasonal difference and the daily variation of PM2.5 concentrations present a “W” type of mode with twin peaks. Besides emission and accumulation of local pollutants, air quality is easily affected by the transport effect from the southwest. The PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations measured from the city of Langfang are taken as the most important factors of surrounding pollution factors to PM2.5 in Beijing. The concentrations of PM10 and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in Beijing are the most significant local influencing factors to PM2.5 in Beijing. Extreme wind speeds and maximal wind speeds are considered to be the most significant meteorological factors affecting the transport of pollutants across the region. When the wind direction is weak southwest wind, the probability of air pollution is greater and when the wind direction is north, the air quality is generally better. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment Standards and Sustainable Development in Developing Countries)
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