Impact of transboundary PM2.5 pollution on health risks and economic compensation in China

Abstract

Economic compensation offers an equality and justice lens through which to examine transboundary air pollution control by determining its impact on health risks and economic losses. In this study, the Intervention Model for Air Pollution (InMAP) is adopted to quantitatively calculate the changes in PM2.5 concentrations due to transboundary pollution in each province of China. Then, the exposure-response function and economic loss estimation methods are used to estimate the health risks and economic losses caused by transboundary PM2.5 pollution. The results show that the pollutant emissions from each province lead to increases in PM2.5 concentrations both within each province and in neighboring provinces, and that the contribution rate of transboundary pollution varies greatly among provinces, ranging from 6% to 80%. The increase in PM2.5 concentrations also increases health risks, and the proportion of the increase in PM2.5 concentration caused by transboundary pollution is higher than 50% in many provinces. The results from the estimation of economic losses are used to determine appropriate compensation amounts. Jiangsu, Shandong, and Anhui are key provinces that are expected to both pay and receive large amounts of compensation. To clarify the environmental responsibilities of each province, the 31 provinces were categorized into 4 types according to their per capita economic compensation. Environmental equity theory requires that compensation mechanisms focus on the interests and responsibilities of each resident, and a national standard eco-compensation system for transboundary air pollution control should be established based on the results of the compensation calculations.