Abstract
Environmental inequality in animal husbandry is an important issue that matters in sustainable livestock production and environmental sustainability. In this context, the objective of this study is to measure and analyze the chemical oxygen demand (COD) discharge inequality from animal husbandry in the Liaoning province in China, as a case study in environmental inequality. Using the pollutant discharge coefficient method and environmental inequality indices, the study looks specifically at the impacts on unequal distribution and unequal economic efficiency in Liaoning in the period 2000 to 2016. The study explores the determinants of COD discharge inequality by constructing panel threshold regression models. The major findings are as follows. First, there is COD discharge inequality in distribution and in economic efficiency in Liaoning, and these were not reduced over time, despite a decline in the absolute quantity of COD discharge after 2013. Second, the impact of COD discharge inequality in economic efficiency lasted longer and was more serious across Liaoning compared with COD discharge inequality in distribution. Third, the quantitative upgrading of the agricultural industrial structure did not significantly reduce COD discharge inequality, and even led to a rise in inequality, especially in terms of economic efficiency. Ultimately, regional economic development turned out to be the key factor in inequality reduction. In addition, improvement in public fiscal support for science and technology also led to greater reduction in inequality.
Highlights
Environmental inequality is an important theme interconnected with sustainability
This study focuses on the measurement of environmental inequality in animal husbandry and analyzes the influential social economic factors by using the panel threshold model
The agriculture industrial structure is selected as the key determinant; economic development level is selected as the threshold factor; and the fiscal support level for science and technology is selected as the control variable
Summary
Environmental inequality is an important theme interconnected with sustainability. In a resource-constrained world, equitable distribution is a central consideration for long-term economic and social sustainability, and for ecological sustainability. The question of how to reduce environmental inequality to contribute to sustainability has become a core concern. This concern is highlighted in the 10th goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in 2015 at the UN summit, namely, reducing inequality within and among countries [2]. Regional differences in the environmental inequality of pollution emissions need to be assessed in terms of absolute quantity, and in terms of compatibility with local social and economic development levels. The measurement of the influence factors of environmental inequality has become an important topic in sustainability research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
