Showing papers in "Chinese journal of population, resources and environment in 2020"

How do energy policies affect industrial green development in China: Renewable energy, energy conservation, or industrial upgrading?

Abstract: The industrial sector has accounted for approximately 70% of China's total energy consumption over the past 30 years. Achieving green development is thus an important strategic goal of the Chinese industrial sector. The Chinese government has adopted various energy policies to facilitate industrial green development. Due to their different goals, these policies may have different impacts on the promotion of green development in the industrial sector. Using panel data on 31 provinces from 2007 to 2014, we examine the effects of three types of energy policies—renewable energy, energy conservation, and industrial upgrading—on industrial green development in China, measured using reduced energy intensity. Our empirical findings suggest that all three types facilitate industrial green development. However, effectiveness varies by policy type and region. Renewable energy and energy conservation policies have stronger impacts than policies aiming at upgrading traditional fossil fuel industries. Moreover, it takes longer for the effectiveness of industrial upgrading policies to be manifested, compared with the other two types. We discuss the implications of these empirical findings for future policymaking in promoting industrial green development.

Driving factors and spatio-temporal features underlying industrial SO2 emissions in “2+26” in North China and extended cities

Abstract: As one of the largest global emitters of sulfur dioxide (SO2), China faces increasing pressure to achieve sustainable economic and social development. Using panel data of 58 prefecture-level cities in North China between 2003 and 2017, this paper considers the dynamic spatio-temporal characteristics of industrial SO2 emissions in the “2 ​+ ​26” in North China and extended cities in North China and decomposes the determinants of industrial SO2 emissions into eight effects using the Generalized Divisia Index Model (GDIM). The contributions of each effect on changes in emissions are assessed on regional, provincial, and prefectural levels, as well as according to various stages. The results indicate the following. First, industrial SO2 emissions in the “2 ​+ ​26” cities in North China and extended cities in North China exhibit spatial autocorrelation and agglomeration effects. Cities with high-high (HH) and low-low (LL) agglomeration patterns were concentrated in Shanxi and Henan provinces, respectively. Second, industrialization, energy consumption, and economic development were the main factors that increased industrial SO2 emissions, while technology, energy sulfur intensity, and economic sulfur intensity were the key factors that reduced them. Third, 13 cities, including Tangshan, were the most important regions where further emissions regulations need to be implemented. These cities were divided into three types and different corresponding measures for reducing their emissions are suggested. Based on the conclusions of this study, this paper puts forward some targeted policy recommendations for reducing industrial SO2 emissions according to different categories of cities.

How does ecological civilization construction affect carbon emission intensity? Evidence from Chinese provinces’ panel data

Abstract: Ecological civilization construction is a new concept and trend in the era of China's high-quality development. It requires the collaborative propulsion of an ecological economic civilization, ecological social civilization, and ecological environment civilization. Reducing carbon emission intensity is an important issue facing the Chinese government in the backdrop of global warming. Thus, studying the influence of ecological civilization construction on carbon emission intensity from different perspectives has important theoretical and practical significance. In this study, the influences of the three subsystems of an ecological civilization on carbon emission intensity are empirically analyzed using Chinese provincial panel data from 2004 to 2016 and a spatial Durbin model based on the STIRPAT model. First, the Moran's I of carbon emission intensity in Chinese provinces was between 0.425 and 0.473. This indicates positive spatial correlation and illustrates that the carbon emission intensity of China's provinces can influence each other. The reasons behind this correlation include close ties between neighboring provinces and similarities in natural, economic, and social characteristics. Second, the correlation coefficients of ecological economic civilization, ecological social civilization, and ecological environment civilization to carbon emission intensity are −4.743139, 2.865884, and −0.3246447, respectively. This illustrates that an ecological economic civilization and ecological environment civilization can reduce carbon emission intensity, while an ecological social civilization can increase it. To reduce total carbon emission intensity, the three subsystems of ecological civilization should have a negative relationship with carbon emission intensity, so the effect of ecological social civilization on carbon emission intensity should be changed. Third, the spatial spillover effect of ecological social civilization did not pass the significance test. The correlation coefficients of spatial spillover effect to ecological economic civilization and ecological environment civilization are 2.046531 and −3.238323, respectively. Improving the ecological economic civilization can increase the carbon emission intensity of periphery provinces, while improving the ecological environment civilization can reduce it. Thus, it is necessary to enhance cooperation between periphery provinces and establish a trans-provincial cooperation mechanism for reducing carbon emissions.

Analyzing multidimensional measures of poverty and their influences in China's Qinba Mountains

Abstract: We use the Alkire–Foster poverty measure and decomposition method to study multidimensional poverty in the Qinling–Daba contiguous poor area of China's Henan Province. We examine absolute, relative, and multidimensional poverty focusing on heads of household and family characteristics as constituents of escaping each. We find that the multidimensional poverty index declines to a low level as values of k increase. Combining first-order random dominance with second-order stochastic dominance quickly determines rankings in the multidimensional poverty index. Increasing non-agricultural income emerges as the most important influence on escaping rural poverty, whereas households with elderly and children are at greatest risk for falling into poverty.

Status, approaches, and challenges of ecosystem services exploration in Ethiopia: A systematic review

Abstract: Healthy ecosystems benefit humans in various forms, and ecosystem services (ESs) are the benefits reaped by people in various forms. However, increase in global human population and the resulting anthropogenic activities have led to rapid alterations in the composition, structure, and functions of the ecosystems as well as their degradation, increasing the losses associated with ES values. Livelihoods of people in several developing countries are highly dependent on their surrounding ecosystems and the services they provide. Therefore, management and reduction of ecosystem modification are required; especially in developing countries, this requirement is even more urgent. In Africa, ecosystem-based studies are limited and in still in their initial stages. Hence, this paper examines dynamic Ethiopian ESs in Africa from 2010 to 2019 based on a systematic bibliometric analysis of articles from the Scopus database using a set of standard criteria. In total, 73 articles were published on Africa, including Ethiopia. The results reveal that the spatial distribution trend of ES studies is unevenly distributed, where most studies were conducted in the central highlands, followed by southwestern regions, with no studies on the western part of Ethiopia. Regarding service providing units (SPUs), the urban ecosystem and agroecosystem accounted for 25% and mixed ecosystems accounted for 20%. Furthermore, a total of 67 specific ESs were investigated by researchers, among which 81.25% of the specific ESs were classified into two ES categories. Provisioning ES (40.29%) dominated across all of the ES types while the cultural ES (5.97%) type has received little attention. Based on keywords, ESs were strongly linked to South Africa, Ethiopia, and biodiversity. In terms of the co-authorship network, authors from the United Kingdom, Italy, Burkina Faso, the Netherlands, and Germany actively collaborated with the Ethiopian researchers, and approximately 50% of the studies were aimed at estimating the value of the ESs through an applied mixed mode of ES study approaches. This review indicates that, due to land use land cover (LULC) changes from 1985 to 2015, approximately US$ 149.5 million or US$ 4.98 million annually in ES values were lost. Moreover, there is a critical need to extend ES studies to entire Ethiopia to capture the spatial and socioeconomic uniqueness of various ecosystems and focus more on multiple ES categories as a means to address ES synergies and provide unit-services to strengthen the relations among benefiting areas in Ethiopia.

Financial depth or breadth: What really matters for fighting air pollution in China?

Abstract: China's rapid economic development leads to a series of environmental problems in the long run, such as air pollution. Environmental pollution has become a bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of China's economy. As such, pollution has become a key issue for China as it tries to continuously improve environmental quality and establish a harmonious coexistence between man and nature. This paper uses spatial econometric analysis to empirically test the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in China while also examining the impact of financial development on its inflection point by applying Air Quality Index and PM2.5 data of 283 prefecture-level cities in China from 2015 to 2017. Findings from this study indicate that the EKC of air pollution in the whole country presents an inverted U-shape based on both the traditional and new EKC models. After testing the sub-sample in different areas, the EKC still presents an inverted U-shape based on the new EKC model in the eastern and central areas, though not in the western area. In considering the moderating role of financial development based on the new EKC model, we find that the increase of financial depth will cause the EKC inflection point to shift to the left on the national scale and in the eastern region, while the effect of the financial breadth will be largely insignificant. With regard to the central area, both the breadth and the depth of financial development will significantly shift the inflection point to the right, delaying the arrival of the EKC inflection point. Therefore, the local authority of each area should formulate differentiated financial development policies to promote the early arrival of the EKC inflection point.

Waste sorting and its effects on carbon emission reduction: Evidence from China

Abstract: Considering the importance of waste sorting and treatment in the development of an ecological civilization, empirically evaluating the environmental impact of such programs is particularly important. This study uses Xiao'er Township in Gong County, Sichuan Province, China as a case study to analyze and estimate the carbon emission reduction effects of the township's pilot waste sorting program. Using the five-point sampling method, samples of waste are collected, reviewed, and measured for their major components and other key indicators. Additionally, questionnaire surveys and interviews are conducted in the township, along with investigations into existing records and other relevant information. The study adopts the solid waste management-greenhouse gas (SWM-GHG) calculator to study the township data. The case study results imply that proper waste sorting and treatment methods in villages and townships could play a major role in the reduction of carbon emission. Specifically, after implementing waste sorting in Xiao'er, annual carbon emissions were reduced by 2081 tons—equivalent to the electricity consumption of a family of three people for 1718 years, or the amount of CO2 emitted by 264 1.6L vehicles driving once around the Earth. In the optimal scenario simulation, increasing the recycling of wet waste and recyclable waste further, the level of carbon emission reduction in Xiao'er could reach up to 4482 tons per year. According to the international general carbon trade price, this is equivalent to adding 44,820 US dollars to the GDP, or to an annual saving of 5.71 million kWh. If these waste management methods are expanded to villages and townships across China, then the carbon emissions reduced in a year would be equal to the CO2 emitted from electricity generation in Beijing for over a year. Based on these findings, this paper provides three policy recommendations for effective carbon emission reduction: increasing residents' environmental protection awareness over the long term, boosting funding support and enhancing the construction of supporting facilities, and strengthening governance and institutional capacity for waste sorting and treatment.

The eco-innovation mode in China and its impact on carbon emissions: From the exploration/exploitation perspective

Abstract: The exploration/exploitation perspective is a well-known concept in the strategic management field; however, it has seldom been used to explore and analyze strategy at a national level. This study utilizes this perspective to analyze China's eco-innovation mode in response to climate change. By categorizing eco-innovation into radical and incremental eco-innovation, we examine the relationship between these concepts using Y02 patents as a proxy and panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2004 to 2015. The results show that eco-innovation as a whole as well as both radical and incremental innovations are drivers for reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, contradictory to most previous empirical results related to the complementarity hypothesis, we find a complementary relationship between radical and incremental eco-innovation. These results collectively represent China's unique eco-innovation mode, confirming the assumed diversity of eco-innovation models in different contexts. The results also show the significant positive effects of economic development, urbanization level, industrial structure, and China's opening up on carbon emissions, indicating that economic and social development have not yet been completely dissociated from carbon emissions in China.

The impact of environmental regulation on total factor productivity of firms: An analysis based on technical distance

Abstract: Most studies on environmental policy and total factor productivity (TFP) growth under the heterogeneity framework tend to ignore the distance to the technical frontier, while research that investigates TFP growth based on technical distances does not tend to consider environmental policy. To fill this research gap, this study investigates the impact of environmental regulation on the total factor productivity of heterogeneous firms, based on technical distance. In addition to theoretical analysis, we apply a two-direction fixed effects model to test the impact using firm-level data selected from the CSMAR database and environmental regulation data of 287 Chinese cities between 2007 and 2015. We report two major findings from our analysis. First, environmental regulation increasingly enhances (or hinders) TFP growth, as firms get closer to (or further away from) the country-industry technology frontier, ceteris paribus. Second, grouped regression further highlights that environmental regulation affects TFP growth for heterogeneous firms. For proximal-type firms, environmental regulation promotes the growth of TFP through innovation and imitation mechanisms, while only the imitation mechanism works for middle-type firms. Neither mechanism, however, applies to distal-type firms, for whom environmental regulation hinders TFP growth. These conclusions provide a theoretical and practical basis for environmental policy, suggesting that the focus should be directed toward improving exit mechanisms for distal-type firms, creating a favorable market environment to accelerate the convergence of middle-type firms to the frontier, and encouraging proximal-type firms to innovate to catch up with or surpass the global frontier.

Farmers’ willingness to accept compensation for livestock and poultry waste resource utilization and its determinants

Abstract: Ecological compensation is widely considered a policy that encourages farmers to recycle livestock and poultry waste for economic and ecological benefits. Therefore, based on field data from 30 counties (districts) in six cities of Shandong Province, China, this study systematically analyzes farmers' willingness to accept compensation for livestock and poultry waste resource utilization as well as its determinants. It does so using the UTAUT theoretical analysis framework, as well as the contingent valuation method and Heckman two-stage selection model. The results show that, first, 72.4% of the farmers in the sample are willing to accept a certain amount of compensation—the expected value of which is RMB 98.02 per month per household—as an incentive to utilize livestock waste. Second, the key determinants of farmers' willingness to accept compensation are marital status, family annual income, concurrent business, farming scale, economic performance expectation, social performance expectation, knowledge reserve, public relations, and technical convenience. Finally, the factors that affect farmers’ willingness in terms of the compensation amount are gender, age, family annual income, social performance expectation, subjective norms, and public relations. Therefore, to promote the recycling of livestock and poultry waste, this study proposes policies that promote education and technology popularization in relation to livestock and poultry waste resource utilization, provide subsidies for waste recycling, and strengthen government control and social supervision over the non-standard disposal of such waste.

Desertification risk, economic resilience and social issues: From theory to practice

Abstract: Land degradation and early forms of desertification in both advanced economies and emerging countries reflect complex socio-environmental processes driven by multiple interactions between biophysical and socioeconomic forces across different spatial scales. The present study investigates desertification risk, land degradation, and socio-demographic dynamics through the lens of “resilience,” adopting complex adaptive systems (CAS) thinking. The resilience of socio-environmental systems exposed to land degradation is defined as the capacity of a regional economy to respond to crises and reorganize by making changes to preserve functions, structure, and feedback, and to promote future development options. By reviewing the socioeconomic resilience of local socio-ecological systems exposed to land degradation, this study achieves a better comprehension of the multifaceted processes that lead to a higher risk of desertification and the intimate relationship with underlying population trends and demographic dynamics. A comprehensive approach based on resilience thinking was formulated to review both environmental and socio-demographic issues at the landscape scale, and provide a suitable foundation for sustainability science and regional development policies.

An analysis of farmers' resource disposal methods for livestock and poultry waste and their determinants

Abstract: Based on field research data on farmers in 30 counties (districts) of six cities in Shandong Province, this study systematically examines the methods of disposal of livestock and poultry waste and the factors that influence them, that is, the determinants of farmers’ waste disposal behaviors, using the UTAUT theoretical framework and a disordered multi-class logit model. The results show that, first, economic performance expectancy, subjective norms, farming population, and poultry and livestock breeding numbers have significant effects on the four waste recycling methods considered: direct return, compost fermentation, biogas fermentation, and fresh-packed sale. Second, annual family income has a positive effect on the direct return method. Third, compost fermentation is positively affected by farmers' knowledge, distance from sources of water, and farming scale, and negatively affected by gender and marital status. Fourth, biogas fermentation is negatively affected by the age of farmers and positively affected by the farming income ratio and environmental convenience. Finally, the most important factors affecting the four methods are subjective norms, farming scale, economic performance expectancy, and farming population. Therefore, this study proposes that policies to promote resource utilization of livestock and poultry waste must prioritize raising awareness among the farmers of the advantages of resource disposal of waste; provide reasonable subsidies for waste recycling and enhance policy applicability, pertinence, and motivation; strengthen the promotion of waste recycling technology and improve the practicality of lectures or training content; and improve relevant laws and regulations and enhance authority and usability.

Low-carbon city communication: Integrated strategies for urban and rural municipalities in Thailand

Abstract: As an important sustainable development goal, the creation of low-carbon cities (LCCs) has become crucial to creating livable cities and environmental sustainability. Thus, we aimed to understand the factors that support the transition of traditional cities to LCCs, by analyzing and synthesizing how to promote practical LCC across 15 pilot municipalities in four regions of Thailand, covering four strategies: City of Trees, City of Waste Minimization, City of Energy Efficiency, and City of Sustainable Consumption. Literature research, in-depth interviews, and observations were employed for data collection, while the 5 ​W (who, says what, in which channel, to whom, and with what effect) and SMCR (sender, message, channel, and receiver) models were used to create a communication analysis framework. Results revealed that the effective activities of municipalities should increase tree planting and implement more serious regulations for the conservation of existing trees. Making compost and establishing waste recycling banks are recommended for rural municipalities, while optimization of garbage and wastewater management systems and facilities should be highlighted in urban municipalities. Moreover, recycling, low-carbon agriculture, second-hand shops/markets, green markets, and homegrown vegetables should be encouraged for sustainable consumption. Working with local municipalities, credible leaders and representatives were the key senders. Additionally, message design should compare the pros and cons of behaviors, connect with local health and tourism, and promote dialogue in easy-to-understand and thought-provoking language. Receivers that drive LCC should have an excellent understanding of LCC practice and its benefits, be public-minded, and have a desire to live in a good environment.

From public to private solid waste management: Stakeholders’ perspectives on private-public solid waste management in Lobatse, Botswana

Abstract: Upon the realization that urban areas can only achieve sustainable solid waste management systems through an interplay of partnerships and stakeholders, developing countries have geared themselves towards the privatization of waste management services in efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Lobatse, a town located in the south of Botswana, faces the increasing challenges of poor waste management due to the lack of finances and resources available to the Lobatse Town Council, which hinders efforts towards a sustainable waste management system. This has negative implications for public health and the environment, as a result of solid waste pollution from littering and the illegal dumping of waste. This work examines the current state of solid waste management and its challenges in Lobatse, within the context of the interplay between public and private solid waste management. The study aims to perform a social exploration of the efficiency of waste management services, considering the political economy and households’ perceptions towards these services. Key stakeholders were interviewed and a social survey of 222 households was conducted to generate primary data. The findings indicate that the involvement of the private sector yielded positive outcomes, as it increased the solid waste collection frequency and improved the quality of the waste management service. Most of the stakeholders were in favor of privatization, and the households were satisfied and willing to contribute towards the cost recovery of solid waste management. It is, therefore, recommended to promote and establish a private-public-community partnership in the town to improve the quality of the waste management system.

Reforming the natural resource auditing system from the ecological civilization perspective

Abstract: Perfecting the natural resource system and auditing natural resource assets are requirements in protecting natural resources and developing an ecological civilization in practice. While the natural resource asset audit both confirms and quantifies natural resources, the nature of such resources makes it difficult to identify their ownership. Further, these resources' diversity creates complex measurement standards and activities, all of which require relevant institutional guarantees. However, the existing audit system for natural resource assets includes insufficient stock, incremental difficulties, and poor guidance, which cannot meet the requirements for environmental governance and an ecological civilization. Thus, it is necessary to define natural resource assets’ rights and measurement systems and responsibility regulations, among others; construct an auditing participation system, technical regulations, and evaluation criterion for natural resource assets; amend the Audit Law in a timely manner; and enact natural resource asset legislation. Ultimately, such efforts would eliminate the bottleneck in the natural resource asset auditing system and facilitate the construction of a resource-saving, environmentally friendly society.

Evaluation and advancement of the integrated circular economy model of farming and stock raising

Abstract: The integrated circular economy model of farming and stock raising (ICEMFSR) has attracted increased attention as an effective model for solving the current irrational allocation of agricultural resources and realizing the agricultural value-added industrial chain. This study uses emergy analysis to comprehensively examine and evaluate the economic benefits, environmental pressures, and sustainable development levels of ICEMFSR in Shucheng County, China. The results show that the ICEMFSR possesses the value of popularization with optimally allocated resources in the studied region, in which the emergy yield ratio (EYR), emergy loading ratio (ELR), and emergy sustainable index (ESI) in this model accounted for 3.59, 1.25, and 2.89, respectively. This result indicates a leading position in the national agricultural system. Hence, this study constructs a new model based on the coupling of emergy evaluation and multi-objective linear programming to study ICEMFSR. Consequently, the EYR, ELR, and ESI respectively varied by +24.23%, −10.40%, and +38.06% after replanning of ICEMFSR. This variation implies a significant improvement in the sustainable development level of the model. In addition, the optimized scenario design for key substances is proposed based on traceability and the reduce-reuse-recycle principle, including biogasification of crop straw and enhancement of crop scientific planting capacity.

Environmental regulation, hidden economy, and China's outward foreign direct investment

Abstract: The need to balance economic growth and its environmental impact continues to be a serious issue in China. As environmental regulation in China increases in importance, it is critical to understand how it impacts economic growth drivers such as outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) to formulate effective policies. One consideration should be the hidden economy, which can weaken the effects of environmental regulation on OFDI. This study investigates the scale of the hidden economy in 30 provinces and province-level municipalities in China in the period 2004 to 2015. The study uses the multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) model and the systematic generalized method of moments (GMM) test to analyze the impact of environmental regulation and the hidden economy on China's OFDI. The results show that stronger environmental regulation promotes OFDI. However, the hidden economy inhibits China's OFDI, as the positive effects of environmental regulation that drive OFDI are distorted. From a regional perspective, stronger environmental regulation promotes OFDI as well, while the hidden economy inhibits it. The interaction between environmental regulation and the hidden economy also inhibits it significantly.

China's renewed perception of global environmental governance

Abstract: China's idea of a community of a shared future for humanity (CSFH) has become the guiding principle and norm to be further embedded and integrated into the country's approach to environmental governance. Under the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, China strongly emphasizes the implementation of its national strategy to mitigate the global climate crisis, and construct international environmental institutions by advocating fair cooperation resulting in mutual gain. China's role as a responsible major country is expected to be more proactive in international process. In particular, the concept of CSFH exerts positive, far-reaching impacts on the greening of the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of solid South–South relations. Based on the renewed perception, China shall undertake its responsibilities in the reform of the global environmental governance system by leading multilateralism to strengthen the capacity of relevant international institutions such as the UN. Driven by China's political will, this concept reflects China's more confident attitude toward global environmental governance. Most profoundly, mainstreaming the vision of CSFH will elevate China's role to a new level in the coming years in terms of norm creation in international environmental institutions.

Willingness to pay for environmental protection in China: Air pollution, perception, and government involvement

Abstract: The deteriorating environment has become an urgent global problem. As developing country, China is no exception. Demand for clean air is increasing in response to health and social problems. We use China's micro household survey data to explore individual residents' willingness to pay for environmental protection (WTP). Results show that air pollution improves WTP. A 100 ​μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 leads to approximately 84.1% WTP on a given day, but local residents are habituated to local pollution. We further study air pollution affects individual perceptions. We discuss the belief that local governments take pollution seriously can promote WTP. In addition, respondents who own smartphones, demonstrate environmental awareness, are happier, and enjoy higher household assets and income are willing to pay more.

Evolution trends and structural decomposition of China's green value-added over 40 years of reform and opening-up

Abstract: China's 40-year history of reform and opening-up includes rapid economic development as well as pollution and environmental governance. Using a four-stage division, this study explores the evolution trend and structural decomposition of China's green value-added by constructing a non-competitive input-output table for environmental pollution from 1978 to 2017. The results indicate that pollution production coefficients increased continuously, and the green value-added index decreased. Additionally, the structural decomposition showed that investment and export were critical for economic growth during the period, though they were accompanied by serious pollution problems. The pollution generated by the raw material (represented by coal mining) and processing industries (represented by the textiles) were not controlled effectively. Pollution treatment for these industries should be strengthened in the future. The study has implications for government officials, policy makers, and academics. First, China should make green development a core concept for economic development, increase environmental pollution governance, develop a “green GDP,” incorporate the external costs of environmental pollution into the national economic accounting system. Second, it must change the investment and export structure as well as the traditional economic development pattern that exacerbates pollution. Specifically, the country should develop industries with low pollution and promote the export of industries producing high value-added products and increase green GDP per capita. Third, it should closely monitor the development of highly polluting industries. Upgrading technology to reduce pollution and strengthening pollution treatment will reduce the number of polluting industries and improve environmental governance efficiency.

Global climate governance in the new era: Potential of business actors and technological innovation

Abstract: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has established a climate governance mechanism with intergovernmental negotiations among sovereign states as the core. After nearly 30 years, progress in combating climate change has remained very modest compared with the numerous challenges raised. The global climate governance has entered a new era, such that incorporating other factors into the governance process is timely. Therefore, the study emphasizes technological innovation and business actors in climate governance after the Paris Agreement. Technological innovation can provide effective solutions for combating climate change and has been a crucial driving force in climate governance's evolution. Business actors are significant because they are actual implementers of technological innovation and can apply different types of power and influence on climate governance processes at various levels. In summary, business actors, as well as technological innovation in line with governments and the UNFCCC governance frameworks, create a new potential for climate governance in the new era.

Estimation of the embodied carbon in China's wood products trade using input–output methodology

Abstract: This study calculates the embodied carbon in imports, exports, net exports, and the processing trade of China's wood product sector between 2001 and 2016 using a non-competitive input–output (I–O) model. The results demonstrate that embodied carbon showed a decreasing trend between 2001 and 2016. Embodied carbon was lowest in wood furniture imports and highest in paper and paperboard imports. The embodied carbon in sawnwood and veneer sheet exports was the lowest and paper and paperboard exports was the highest. The embodied carbon in the processing trade of paper and paperboard was the highest. To reduce the embodied carbon in China's wood products, the government should promote technological transformation and upgrading and encourage the implementation of green technology innovation.

Estimating the opportunity costs of avoiding oil palm-based deforestation in Indonesia: Implications for REDD+

Abstract: Reducing emissions due to deforestation is considered a low-cost option for mitigating climate change. However, the recent literature suggests higher opportunity costs because of specific deforestation drivers, which render reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) for mitigating climate change an uncertain, less attractive, and controversial option. Indonesia is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters. Since 1989, 53.80% of its oil palm expansion has come from forestlands, which has generated a significant amount of carbon emissions. This study uses official data and results from the relevant literature to estimate the costs of oil palm-based deforestation under various scenario assumptions, including different output prices, yields, time horizons, and discount rates. We also calculate the additional cost to preserve a 1-ha forest. We demonstrate that the average opportunity cost from avoiding oil palm-based deforestation is 24.42 USD/tCO2eq in Indonesia, approximately 1.3 times the 2011 EUA carbon price. Additional sums of around 5,466.90–11,042.96 USD/ha should be provided to landowners for the deforestation avoidance caused by oil palm expansion. Special attention should be given to the extensive oil palm expansion in Indonesia and the resulting high opportunity costs for achieving the REDD+ ​target.

Toward a more open and collaborative climate change policy framework in Hong Kong and Macao within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Abstract: The special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao enjoy a high degree of autonomy from the national policy system in devising their local policies, including measures related to climate change. Hong Kong and Macao each have their own climate change policies, some aspects of which are more advanced than policies in mainland China. While their high degree of policy autonomy has advantages, this has also isolated them from China's larger environmental management and practices that continue to advance at scale. This paper reviews the climate change policies of the two special administrative regions and analyzes their strengths and innovations, particularly in adaptation. It also identifies areas where there could be closer engagement, collaboration, and capacity-building with the mainland China, which has the potential for greater positive impacts, especially on a regional basis.

Effects of livestock and poultry breeding pollution on health risks: Evidence from a hog breeding case in rural China

Abstract: With the rapid development of livestock and poultry breeding industries, pollution problems caused by the discharge of wastewater and manure have become increasingly severe. However, studies on the impacts of this pollution on rural residents’ health are lacking. Based on data from the Peking University's China Family Panel Studies in 2010 and 2014, this paper uses a cross-sectional and panel data probit model to estimate the probability of breeding industry development in rural areas increasing the health risks of local villagers. First, the study found that the more households engaged in breeding in the region or the larger the scale of regional breeding, the higher the health risks to local villagers, particularly in areas where pigs are raised. Second, compared with individual farming, the greater the proportion of large-scale farming, the higher the health risks to villagers. Third, the development of the breeding industry seldom includes the ecological recycling of wastes and fails to reduce the use of local pesticides and fertilizers, thereby increasing the health risks to villagers. Therefore, this paper argues that providing technology to process breeding industry waste and establish an organic industrial production chain will be crucial to reducing the impact of breeding industry pollution on human health.

“Do Big Hands Guide Small Hands?” or “do Small Hands Guide Big Hands”: The intergenerational interactions in environmental behaviors and family influencing factors

Abstract: Families' large pollution and energy consumption cannot be underestimated. In order to realize and internalize environmental awareness as a social consensus, it is imperative for every member of a household to be involved in transforming everyday behavior. Intergenerational interactions are of paramount importance. Accordingly, the focus of this study was on parent-adolescent interactions, their reciprocal impact on environmental behaviors, and the factors that have an influence on these processes. Questionnaires were employed to collect information of 684 families in 10 districts of Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with 15 of these families to comprehend the tangible reasons underlying intergenerational interactions in environmental behaviors. First, a paired sample T-test was employed to compare the frequency of these interactions. The data showed that while the T values were positive in all eight compared groups, there were significant differences in seven of them. These results suggest that the impact of intergenerational interactions on environmental behaviors is not symmetrical: parents' instructions are far more frequent than adolescents' back-feeding of ecological notions. The interviews revealed that this phenomenon was generated primarily by unequal experiences between parents and adolescents because the latter do not participate in housework and family projects. Furthermore, the traditional concept of intergenerational order appears to be permanent. Second, two linear regression models, a Parent-to-Adolescent model and an Adolescent-to-Parent model that encompassed several factors including family structure, intergenerational relationships, living environment, and families' social class were developed. Among these factors, the intergenerational relationship variable played a particularly significant role: the more equal and open-minded dialogs are incorporated into parent-adolescent communication, the more favorable interactions may occur for development of their environmental behaviors. Thus, when an environmental education system with families is constructed, it is imperative to promote a parent's ecological awareness with the help of grass-roots organizations by means of reasonable rewards and punishments to redress their former behaviors so as to let Big Hands Guide Small Hands. It is also crucial to enhance a more equal intergenerational relationship through parents' schooling or other relevant services so as to create a favorable atmosphere for Small Hands Guide Big Hands.

Examining the determinants of housing prices and the influence of the spatial–temporal interaction effect: The case of China during 2003–2016

Abstract: The slowdown of the Chinese economy has been accompanied by a recent rapid rise in housing prices, which has put severe pressure on China's high-quality development. Therefore, understanding the impact of the spatial–temporal interaction effect on housing prices and their potential determinants is critical for formulating housing policies and achieving sustainable urbanization. This study empirically analyzed both of these based on four aspects—the financial market, housing market, housing supply, and housing demand—using 2006–2013 data of 285 prefecture-level (and above) Chinese cities and spatial econometric models. The results indicated that the housing prices of Chinese cities were heavily affected by the interaction effect of space and time, both at the national and regional levels; however, the influence of this interaction effect exhibited a significant spatial differentiation, and only consistently drove up housing prices in Eastern and Western China. Additionally, the regional results based on administrative and economic development levels revealed that wage and medical service levels in first- and second-tier cities had negatively affected the competitiveness and efficiency of the Chinese economy during the investigation period. These findings suggest the need for land supply systems based on the increasing population to prevent housing prices from rising too quickly as well as policies that consider regional variations, accompanied by corresponding supporting measures.

The impact of industrial distribution on the distribution of pollution: Evidence from China

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effect of industrial development strategies on the distribution of pollution in China. For this purpose, it uses the Theil index to measure the degree to which pollution was concentrated in particular areas of China from 2003 to 2015. Using chart analysis, it shows that industries became more widely spread out over time, and finds water-polluted cities but no air-polluted cities in areas of high industry concentration. Employing estimates from the Theil indices, I find that, while the within-region and between-region imbalances of industrial output were both reduced by the strategic plan, the speed of water pollution diversion does not align with the overall movement of industries, and there is not much between-region movement in wastewater pollution. The distribution of soot emissions is found to differ significantly from that of industrial output, with negligible initial levels and subsequent changes in the between-region concentration of soot emissions. Most of the initial concentration and changes in concentration are within region, suggesting that industrial development strategies have helped spread industries out more evenly. Meanwhile, the distribution of industries is found to have changed the distribution of water pollution, but it did not have any impact on the concentration of air pollution.

Urban residents' behavioral response to climate change and its influencing factors: A case study of Tianjin, China

Abstract: Climate change is a global issue that poses a significant risk to the global economy and therefore warrants coordinated collective action. Employing a questionnaire survey in China, this study presents urban residents' behavioral response to climate change and its influencing factors. The results indicated that urban residents in Tianjin often took low-cost, intuitive, and quickly implementable actions, namely behavioral coping responses. Proactive adaptive behavior was also evident, which involved greater financial investment. Furthermore, according to regression analysis results of urban residents' behavior and its influencing factors, knowledge of climate change manifested a positive correlation with urban residents' behavioral coping response. In contrast, cost manifested a negative correlation with urban residents' proactive adaptive behavior, which was a more complex, costly, and challenging anticipatory action. Knowledge of climate change manifested a positive correlation with both behavioral coping response and proactive adaptive behavior. Finally, recommendations for encouraging beneficial behaviors among urban residents are suggested.