Trade-driven changes in China's air pollutant emissions during 2012-2017

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Economics
• Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

• Trade significantly influences regional production and pollutant emissions.
• Understanding trade-related emission patterns is crucial for effective mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes and driving forces of trade-related air pollutant emissions (SO2, PM2.5, NOx, VOC, CO2) in China during the "Clean Air Action" period (2012-2017).
• To identify shifts in emission contributions across regions and sectors.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of trade-related air pollutant emissions data from 2012 to 2017.
• Examination of emission changes attributed to emission factors, trade structure, and energy structure.

Main Results:

• Nationwide domestic trade-related emissions decreased, but consumption-based emission contributions shifted regionally.
• The power sector's relative emission contribution declined, while sectors like chemical and metal processing emerged as key areas for mitigation.
• Reduced emission factors were the primary driver of emission decreases, with trade and energy structure optimization also playing significant roles.

Conclusions:

• Domestic trade patterns significantly influenced air pollutant emissions in China during the "Clean Air Action" period.
• Targeted mitigation policies focusing on specific sectors and regional consumption patterns are necessary.
• Improvements in emission factors and structural optimizations are key to reducing trade-associated pollution.