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Decomposition Analysis of the Factors that Influence Energy Related Air Pollutant Emission Changes in China Using the SDA Method

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  • Shichun Xu

    (Management School, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China)

  • Wenwen Zhang

    (Management School, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Energy Center, University of Auckland, OGGB 6th Floor, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Qinbin Li

    (Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA)

  • Bin Zhao

    (Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA)

  • Shuxiao Wang

    (State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Ruyin Long

    (Management School, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China)

Abstract

We decompose factors affecting China’s energy-related air pollutant (NO x , PM 2.5 , and SO 2 ) emission changes into different effects using structural decomposition analysis (SDA). We find that, from 2005 to 2012, investment increased NO x , PM 2.5 , and SO 2 emissions by 14.04, 7.82 and 15.59 Mt respectively, and consumption increased these emissions by 11.09, 7.98, and 12.09 Mt respectively. Export and import slightly increased the emissions on the whole, but the rate of the increase has slowed down, possibly reflecting the shift in China’s foreign trade structure. Energy intensity largely reduced NO x , PM 2.5 , and SO 2 emissions by 12.49, 14.33 and 23.06 Mt respectively, followed by emission efficiency that reduces these emissions by 4.57, 9.08, and 17.25 Mt respectively. Input-output efficiency slightly reduces the emissions. At sectoral and sub-sectoral levels, consumption is a great driving factor in agriculture and commerce, whereas investment is a great driving factor in transport, construction, and some industrial subsectors such as iron and steel, nonferrous metals, building materials, coking, and power and heating supply. Energy intensity increases emissions in transport, chemical products and manufacturing, but decreases emissions in all other sectors and subsectors. Some policies arising from our study results are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Shichun Xu & Wenwen Zhang & Qinbin Li & Bin Zhao & Shuxiao Wang & Ruyin Long, 2017. "Decomposition Analysis of the Factors that Influence Energy Related Air Pollutant Emission Changes in China Using the SDA Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:10:p:1742-:d:113384
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