The Impact of Economic Development on Environment and Local Redisdents Living Standard in Beijing and Harbin

Abstract

China experienced rapid economic growth in the past few years. Governments and citizens in developing countries are concerning about the environmental issues and peoples living standard in developing countries. Different areas respond differently to the impact of growth in the entire economy. The close relationship between economic development and environment and peoples living quality can be explored from multiple perspectives. This paper uses data from cities of mainland China to investigate the impact of different levels of economic development by comparing various economic and environmental factors. Factors such as gross domestic product, education availability and employment rate are included to consider the economic development of Beijing and Harbin in China. In this case, environment and living standard are represented by PM2.5 level, public transportation provision, life expectancy, as well as urban green area. Majority of the gaps in the data sets are the result of inequality in their economic growth. Problems of unequal distribution of wealth and geographical locations can be explained through the results from this topic.