Pollution Reduction Benefits Research Articles

Towards a low-carbon and beautiful world: assessing the impact of digital technology on the common benefits of pollution reduction and carbon reduction.

When ecology thrives, civilization thrives, and when ecology declines, civilization declines. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2021, this study used marginal abatement costs to estimate the co-benefits of pollution reduction and carbon reduction. Two-way fixed effect and two-stage intermediary effect models were used to evaluate the impact of digital technology on co-benefits and its indirect channels. The results indicated that China's total carbon emissions maintained a steady growth trend, while air pollution showed a fluctuating declining trend. Reaching peak carbon neutrality calls for more innovative solutions. Under joint emission reduction efforts, the study revealed marginal abatement cost savings of 535.8 million yuan/million tons and 6216.5 million yuan/μg/m3 for carbon reduction and pollution reduction, respectively. Most importantly, the study confirmed that joint emission reduction programs can reduce environmental governance costs more than individual emission reductions can, and the co-benefits increased from 37.983 to 44.757. The co-benefits generally showed a trend of fluctuation and increases and had the characteristics of phased transformation. Intragroup differences and cross-overlapping between regions made regional differences in co-benefits obvious. The subversive, permeable, and integrated features of digital technology have resulted in the all-around transformation of the economy and society, and the new technology-economy paradigm has significantly improved co-benefits. The conclusion remains valid after robustness testing and controlling for endogeneity problems. The results of the mechanism analysis suggest that digital technology can indirectly improve synergies through the intermediary channels of fostering green technology innovation, reducing energy consumption intensity and improving the energy structure.

The spatial distribution of pollution reduction benefits: Quasi-experimental evidence from England

The spatial distribution of pollution reduction benefits: Quasi-experimental evidence from England

Prediction of air pollution reduction benefits and atmospheric environmental quality improvement effects from electric vehicle deployment in Beijing, China

Prediction of air pollution reduction benefits and atmospheric environmental quality improvement effects from electric vehicle deployment in Beijing, China

Relocating Industrial Plants Delivers Win-Win Emission Reduction Benefits to Origin and Destination Regions.

Relocating pollution-intensive factories is one of the most effective measures to meet mandatory environmental regulations in developed cities while simultaneously imposing environmental pressure on the receiving cities. Existing studies often assume that relocated plants produce the same or higher emissions when relocated. However, the current pollution mitigation policies enforce even higher emission standards in the destination after plant relocation. We employ a bottom-up pollution accounting approach to assess the impact of intraregional or interregional relocation of iron and steel plants in China's Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) area on various air pollutants; specifically, seven policy scenarios are modeled, based on stringency, implementation scope, and production technologies. We find that relocation combined with emission standards enforcement and shifts from BOF (basic oxygen furnace) to EAF (electric arc furnace) production technology may significantly reduce emissions within and outside BTH areas by as much as 28.8% compared to business as usual. The observed reduction is mainly due to the requirement of meeting ultralow emission standards directly or indirectly after relocation. Both origin and destination cities benefit from the relocation, with limited emission spillovers (+9.1%) for destinations outside BTH and even a net reduction (9.4%) in Tangshan. We conclude that combining factory relocation with stricter emission standards and production technological innovation could circumvent the Pollution Haven Hypothesis and deliver win-win air pollution reduction benefits for both origins and destinations.

Research on the optimal configuration of photovoltaic and energy storage in rural microgrid

As an effective carrier for integrating distributed photovoltaic (PV) power, the microgrid system is one of the most effective ways to realize the on-site consumption and utilization of distributed photovoltaics. In order to ensure the reliability of the power supply of the microgrid system and maximize the utilization and economic of the photovoltaic, it is necessary to appropriately configure energy storage for the rural microgrid system. This paper studies the photovoltaic and energy storage optimization configuration model based on the second-generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), by comprehensively considering the load characteristics, local environmental factors and various economic factors such as pollutant reduction benefits in a rural area. The analysis case presented in this paper is based on the operation data of a microgrid in a rural area in Guangdong province, China. The results show that the optimized photovoltaic and energy storage system can effectively improve the photovoltaic utilization rate and economic of the microgrid system. The model can provide an effective method for the design of photovoltaic and energy storage configuration schemes for microgrids in rural areas.

Numerical Experiments on Low Impact Development for Urban Resilience Index

Low impact development (LID) has become one of the strategies that effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change. In addition to the ability to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution caused by flash floods from the surface runoff, LID has also been applied to control water quantity under extreme rainfall events. Due to the fact that studies about LID configuration optimization tended to control water quantity and gradually ignored the main functions of water quality treatment, this study aims to consider water quantity and quality to estimate the benefits and optimal configuration of LID by Non-Dominated Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). In addition, regarding to the outlet peak flow, hydrologic footprint residence (HFR) was considered to be the water quantity indicator due to the ability to represent the dynamics of flow changes, and the modified quality indicator (Mass Emission First Flush ratio, MEFF30) was corrected to represent the pollutant transport process in a large catchment area. The results show that the flood and MEFF30 reduction rate of LID are inversely proportional to rainfall duration and intensity. The benefit of pollutant reduction, which can still be maintained by 20% and 15% under a big return period and the long duration was about three times than the quantity control. Taking the cost into account, although the rain barrel had the best effect of reduction per unit area, green roofs and permeable pavements had a higher unit cost reduction rate due to the lower costs. The upper and middle reaches of the open channel and the confluence of rainwater sewers should be the optimal LID configuration to achieve the benefits of both flood and pollution reduction.

Impact of low-level fine particulate matter and ozone exposure on absences in K-12 students and economic consequences

High air pollution levels are associated with school absences. However, low level pollution impacts on individual school absences are under-studied. Understanding the variability of pollution at individual schools within an urban region could improve school recess decisions, better identify local pollution sources, and improve local economic impact assessments by providing granular information relevant to specific schools. We modelled PM2.5 and ozone concentrations at 36 schools from July 2015 to June 2018 using data from a dense, research grade regulatory sensor network. We determined exposures and daily absences at each school. We used a generalized estimating equations model to retrospectively estimate rate ratios for association between outdoor pollutant concentrations and school absences. We estimated lost school revenue, productivity, and family economic burden. PM2.5 and ozone concentrations and absence rates vary across the School District. Pollution exposure was associated with a rate ratio as high as 1.02 absences per μg m−3 and 1.01 per ppb increase for PM2.5 and ozone, respectively. Significantly, even PM2.5 and ozone exposure below the air quality index breakpoints for good air quality (<12.1 μg m−3 and <55 ppb, respectively) was associated with positive rate ratios of absences: 1.04 per μg m−3 and 1.01 per ppb increase, respectively. Granular local measurements enabled demonstration of air pollution impacts that varied between schools and were undetectable with averaged pollution levels. Reducing pollution by 50% would save $426 000 per year districtwide. Pollution reduction benefits would be greatest in schools located in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Heterogeneity in exposure, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged schools, points to the need for fine resolution exposure estimation. The economic cost of absences associated with air pollution is substantial even excluding indirect costs such as hospital visits and medication. These findings may help elucidate the differential burden on individual schools and inform local decisions about recess and regulatory considerations for localized pollution sources.

Health impacts of air pollution in Bulgaria

Abstract Background Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease, and is the single largest environmental health risk. Heart disease and stroke are the most common reasons for premature death attributable to air pollution, followed by lung diseases and lung cancer. This report aims at investigation and comparative analysis of air pollution and mortality related indicators in Bulgaria. Methods Descriptive study design with content analysis is applied on data from accessible national and international databases and publications - Bulgarian National Statistical Institute and The European Environment Agency. To evaluate the health burden attributable to air pollution were used the population-weighted concentration and the estimated number of attributable premature deaths, and the Years of life lost (YLL) per 100 000 inhabitants in 2016. The Ambient Air Quality Directive defines the PM2.5 Average Exposure Indicator which reflects population exposure to PM2.5 and shows the average concentration at urban areas, calculated as a 3-year average. Results In 2015, the level of PM2.5 had to be below 20 µg/m3 in any country. In 2017, concentrations were still above that level in three countries - Slovakia 22, Poland and Bulgaria 24. The largest health impacts in terms of premature deaths and YLL, are observed in central and eastern Europe where the highest concentrations are also observed - Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania and North Macedonia. The premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 exposure in Bulgaria are 13 100, to NO2 - 1 100 and to O3 - 280. The YLL attributable to PM2.5, NO2 and O3 exposure are respectively 1858, 151, 42. All these levels are very high in comparison with other European countries. Conclusions Recognition of the full health and economic cost of air pollution and the benefits of pollution reduction should spur increased use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean-fuel vehicles. This is a necessary investment for Bulgaria's future. Key messages Responsibility for, and tools to tackle, many environmental determinants of health lie outside the direct control of individuals or the health sector alone. Wider societal, intersectoral and population-based public health approach is needed.

Dry deposition of air pollutants on trees at regional scale: A case study in the Basque Country

There is increased interest in the role of trees to reduce air pollution and thereby improve human health and well-being. This study determined the removal of air pollutants by dry deposition of trees across the Basque Country and estimated its annual economic value. A model that calculates the hourly dry deposition of NO2, O3, SO2, CO and PM10 on trees at a 1 km x 1 km resolution at a regional scale was developed. The calculated mean annual rates of removal of air pollution across various land uses were 12.9 kg O3 ha−1, 12.7 kg PM10 ha−1, 3.0 kg NO2 ha−1, 0.8 kg SO2 ha−1 and 0.2 kg CO ha−1. The results were then categorised according to land use in order to determine how much each land use category contributed to reducing air pollution and to determine to what extent trees provided pollution reduction benefits to society. Despite not being located in the areas of highest pollutions, coniferous forests, which cover 25% of the land, were calculated to absorb 21% of the air pollution. Compared to other land uses, coniferous forests were particularly effective in removing air pollution because of their high tree cover density and the duration of leaf life-span. The total economic value provided by the trees in reducing these pollutants in terms of health benefits was estimated to be €60 million yr−1 which represented around 0.09% of the Gross Domestic Product of the Basque Country in 2016. Whilst most health impacts from air pollution are in urban areas the results indicate that most air pollution is removed in rural areas.

Development of a system dynamics model for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its application to assess the benefits of pollution reduction

A dynamic multimedia transport (DMT) model for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was constructed using the system dynamics software STELLA to simulate the transmission and flow of PAHs in different media. Humans are primarily exposed to PAHs via ingestion. Thus, this study used the DMT model to simulate the concentrations of PAHs in food media and the human body and assess the risk of harm to humans. On the basis of the hypothesis of PAH reduction in the Taiwanese steel industry, two scenarios were used (cases I and II), and integration indicators such as the Air Resource Co-Benefit Model of air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and PAHs reduction was established for the cost–benefit analysis of the reduction scenarios.This study not only established Taiwan's PAHs dynamic multimedia transmission model successfully but also performed a reduction scenario on the steel industry. In the year 2025, the total costs for cases I and II will be USD 690 and USD 694 million per year, respectively, and the total benefits will be USD 492 and 1669 million per year, respectively. Therefore, case II is preferable to case I in terms of benefit ratio (2.40 vs. 2.35, respectively).

Heat Transfer Dynamic Analyses for Recycled‐Concrete Wall Combined with Expanded Polystyrene Template

Due to the benefits of pollution reduction, energy saving, and recycling of resources associated with the recycled concrete, together with the apparent thermal storage thermal insulation yield of expandable polystyrene (EPS) template, the heat transfer dynamics of their combination has become a contemporary study topic. In this research work, an investigation of the heat transfer coefficient (U) of EPS template recycled‐concrete shear wall has been carried out. Four different concrete mixtures shear wall samples having different insulation types were developed for the purpose of quantifying their thermal outputs. Both temperature (T) and humidity (H) affection to thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) of reinforced concrete and the EPS template were investigated, correspondingly. The λ0°C (relative variation for a 0°C of temperature variation in T) of cement mortar, recycled‐concrete shear wall, and ordinary concrete shear wall were measured being 0.7526, 1.2463, and 1.3750 W·m−1·K−1, respectively. And the λ calculation of EPS was carried out being 0.0396 W·m−1·K−1. A corrected calculation method was put forward to application in practical work that could reflect the real U value in a more precise manner. These results brought to light the fact that the heat preservation output of recycled‐concrete shear wall posed to be comparatively more improved than that of ordinary concrete shear wall. We put forth the suggestion for the use of corrected calculation method in the calculation and analysis of U of EPS template recycled‐concrete composite shear wall in the climatic conditions of Beijing. The results revealed the fact that the U of EPS template recycled‐concrete shear wall was dominantly controlled by the change of thermal conductivity changes of EPS template. The monthly mean U increased with increasing Tout and decreased with decreasing Tout. The smaller the U of the enclosure wall was, the better the thermal stability of the wall was experienced.

Quantifying the Ancillary Benefits of the Representative Concentration Pathways on Air Quality in Europe

This paper presents economic benefit estimates of air quality improvements in Europe that occur as a side effect of GHG emission reductions. We consider two climate policy scenarios from two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), in which radiative forcing levels are reached in 2100. The policy tool is a global uniform tax on all GHG emissions in the integrated assessment model WITCH. The resulting consumption patterns of fossil fuels are used to estimate the physical impacts and the economic benefits of pollution reductions on human health and on key assets by implementing the most advanced version of the ExternE methodology with its impact pathway analysis. The mitigation scenario compatible with $$+2\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ (RCP 2.6) reduces total pollution costs in Europe by 84 %. Discounted cumulative ancillary benefits are equal to about €1.7 trillion between 2015 and 2100, or €17 per abated tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ in Europe. The less strict climate policy scenario (RCP 4.5) generates benefits equal to €15.5 per abated tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ . Without discounting, the ancillary benefits are equal to €46 (RCP 2.6) and €51 (RCP 4.5) per tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ abated. For both scenarios, the local benefits per tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ decline over time and vary significantly across countries.

Quantifying the Ancillary Benefits of the Representative Concentration Pathways on Air Quality in Europe

This paper presents economic benefit estimates of air quality improvements in Europe that occur as a side effect of GHG emission reductions. We consider two climate policy scenarios from two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), in which radiative forcing levels are reached in 2100. The policy tool is a global uniform tax on all GHG emissions in the integrated assessment model WITCH. The resulting consumption patterns of fossil fuels are used to estimate the physical impacts and the economic benefits of pollution reductions on human health and on key assets by implementing the most advanced version of the ExternE methodology with its impact pathway analysis. The mitigation scenario compatible with $$+2\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ (RCP 2.6) reduces total pollution costs in Europe by 84 %. Discounted cumulative ancillary benefits are equal to about €1.7 trillion between 2015 and 2100, or €17 per abated tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ in Europe. The less strict climate policy scenario (RCP 4.5) generates benefits equal to €15.5 per abated tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ . Without discounting, the ancillary benefits are equal to €46 (RCP 2.6) and €51 (RCP 4.5) per tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ abated. For both scenarios, the local benefits per tonne of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ decline over time and vary significantly across countries.

Characterizing shipboard bilgewater effluent before and after treatment

Operational discharges from oceangoing vessels, including discharges of bilgewater, release oil into marine ecosystems that can potentially damage marine life, terrestrial life, human health, and the environment. Bilgewater is a mix of oily fluids and other pollutants from a variety of sources onboard a vessel. If bilgewater cannot be retained onboard, it must be treated by an oily water separator before discharge for larger ocean-going vessels. We evaluated the effectiveness of bilgewater treatment systems by analyzing land-based type approval data, collecting and analyzing shipboard bilgewater effluent data, assessing bilgewater effluent concentrations compared to regulatory standards, evaluating the accuracy of shipboard oil content monitors relative to analytical results, and assessing additional pollution reduction benefits of treatment systems. Land-based type approval data were gathered for 20 treatment systems. Additionally, multiple samples of influent and effluent from operational bilgewater treatment systems onboard three vessels were collected and analyzed, and compared to the land-based type approval data. Based on type approval data, 15 treatment systems were performing below 5ppm oil. Shipboard performance measurements verified land-based type approval data for the three systems that were sampled. However, oil content monitor readings were more variable than actual oil concentration measurements from effluent samples, resulting in false negatives and positives. The treatment systems sampled onboard for this study generally reduced the majority of other potentially harmful pollutants, which are not currently regulated, with the exception of some heavy metal analytes.

Improving energy consumption structure: A comprehensive assessment of fossil energy subsidies reform in China

Fossil energy subsidies reform would be an effective way to improve the energy consumption structure; however, the reform needs to be assessed comprehensively beforehand as it would exert uncertain impacts on economy, society and environment. In this paper, we use price-gap approach to estimate the fossil energy subsidies of China, then establish CGE model that contains pollutant emissions accounts and CO 2 emissions account to stimulate the fossil energy subsidies reform under different scenarios, and the environmental economic analysis concept is introduced to monetize the pollutant reduction benefits. Furthermore, we analyze the possibility and scope of improving the energy consumption structure from the perspective of technical and economic analysis. Analytical results show that the energy consumption structure could be improved by different extent by removing coal or oil subsidies, while the economic and social indexes will be influenced distinctively. Meanwhile, the effects of cutting coal subsidies are more feasible than that of cutting oil subsidies overall. It is recommended to implement fossil energy subsidies gradually, cut the coal first and then cut oil subsidies successively.

Voluntary Pollution Reduction Programs, Environmental Management, and Environmental Performance: An Empirical Study

This paper examines, empirically, the mechanism by which a voluntary pollution reduction program (VPR) achieves pollution reductions. We find that participation in the 33/50 program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first VPR, spurred the adoption of total quality environmental management (TQEM), an environmental management system that views pollution as a quality defect to be continuously reduced through the development of products and processes that minimize waste generation at source. We find in turn that TQEM had a significant negative effect on 33/50 releases and that 33/50 participation produced additional direct pollution reduction benefits both during and after the program years. <i>(JEL C23, Q58)</i>

Air Pollution Threatens the Health of Children in China

. China's rapid economic development has come at the cost of severe environmental degradation, most notably from coal combustion. Outdoor air pollution is associated with >300000 deaths, 20 million cases of respiratory illness, and a health cost of >500 billion renminbi (>3% of gross domestic product) annually. The young are particularly susceptible to air pollution, yet there has been only limited recognition of its effects on children's health and development. DATA SOURCES/DATA EXTRACTION: To fill this gap, we reviewed relevant published environmental studies, biomedical and molecular/epidemiologic research, and economic and policy analyses. China relies on coal for approximately 70% to 75% of its energy needs, consuming 1.9 billion tons of coal each year. In addition to CO(2), the major greenhouse gas, coal burning in China emits vast quantities of particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, arsenic, and mercury. Automobiles emit nitrogen dioxide and benzene in addition to particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Seventy percent of Chinese households burn coal or biomass for cooking and heating, which contaminates indoor air. Adverse effects of combustion-related air pollution include reduced fetal and child growth, pulmonary disease including asthma, developmental impairment, and increased risk of cancer. A prospective molecular epidemiologic study of newborns in Chongqing has demonstrated direct benefits to children's health and development from the elimination of a coal-burning plant. Recognition of the full health and economic cost of air pollution to Chinese children and the benefits of pollution reduction should spur increased use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean-fuel vehicles. This is a necessary investment for China's future.

Vulnerability to air pollution health effects

Ambient air pollution can have adverse effects on the health of exposed populations, but individuals or groups are not equally vulnerable, and pollution reduction benefits are likely to be unevenly distributed within a population. While the use of total-population risks is a valid approach for public health protection, it is increasingly recognized that more attention on vulnerable groups is necessary. This paper describes population vulnerability to the health effects of air pollutants using risk analysis concepts and based on available evidence. Publications reporting air pollution health risks for specific sub-populations, or more conceptual discussions of vulnerability, were selected following a literature search of the PubMed database. Only studies in the context of developed countries were included. Information on population characteristics and factors that can influence risk was assessed from the perspective of the vulnerability framework, and was used to outline interactions with biological susceptibility, exposure, and social coping. Population characteristics encompass several factors that interact and confer vulnerability. Age, for example, regarded as significant mostly in terms of physiology, also relates to exposure through behaviours and activities that can be more amenable to prevention. Children are recognized as a high-risk group but their vulnerability may differ by childhood stage, while pregnant women are not explicitly identified as a vulnerable group despite growing evidence for reproductive risks. Social-economic factors have received little attention, although they can affect coping capacity as well as interact with susceptibility and exposure to air pollution. Evidence for vulnerability components often lies in different fields of study and has not been evaluated in an integrated manner. Better understanding of population vulnerability can improve the scientific basis to assess risks and develop policies or other health protection initiatives to reduce the impacts of air pollution.

Nitrate Pollution on the Island of Jersey

This paper reviews the processes by which groundwater and surface water flows are polluted by nitrates on the Island of Jersey in the English Channel. It is shown that the primary cause of such pollution is the use of nitrate fertilizers by the Island's farmers. The activities of the major government institutions involved in reducing nitrate pollution are described and the costs of such management are assessed. The instruments deployed are regulatory, infrastructural, and educational; in contrast, economic instruments have not been deployed. The article then moves on to consider the benefits of pollution reduction in respect of enhanced environmental quality and improved human health. In conclusion, it is suggested that the standard for the nitrate content of drinking water, based on European Community legislation of 1980, was set at a level for which no human health benefits have been demonstrated but at substantial costs to the citizens of Jersey. This “cost without benefit” hypothesis is applicable to many other countries with respect to nitrate pollution management.

Value of information for water quality management

There is now much interest in comprehensive watershed‐based approaches to water quality protection. While there is much to be said in favor of such an approach, it is also clear that implementation requires information that is often lacking. Given that information acquisition is costly, decisions are required about the types and amounts of information that should be sought. We examine the expected value of different types of information for price and quantity instruments for agricultural nitrogen pollution control in the Susquehanna River Basin. We also compare the ex ante economic efficiency of price and quantity instruments. The analysis explicitly accounts for public sector uncertainty about the benefits and costs of pollution reductions, with economic efficiency measured as the expected benefits less the expected costs of pollution reductions. We find optimized price controls to outperform optimized quantity controls under a range of possible information structures. For both instruments, information collection improves policy performance, with information about the benefits of pollution reductions having the greatest impact. The performance of the quantity instrument is more sensitive to information than is the price instrument. In consequence, the value of information to reduce benefit and cost uncertainty is greater for the quantity control.