China's marine plastic waste pollution alleviated by the central environmental inspection

The Central Environmental Inspection (CEI) program represents a unique and comprehensive regulatory approach developed by the Chinese government, with existing research highlighting its critical role in addressing major environmental issues such as water and air pollution. However, its effectiveness in reducing marine plastic debris remains uncertain and warrants further evaluation. This paper analyzes data from 48 coastal cities in China from 2016 to 2023, employing the generalized difference-in-differences model to examine the CEI's impact and underlying mechanisms on marine plastic debris. The research findings demonstrate that the CEI substantially contributes to addressing marine plastic debris. The mechanism analysis reveals that the CEI has played a significant role in reducing marine plastic debris by strengthening local governments' enforcement capacity, stimulating green innovation in enterprises, and encouraging broader public participation. Additionally, the research highlights notable variations in governance effectiveness across cities based on factors such as industrial development, coastline length, and wind characteristics. This paper provides policy evaluations and practical recommendations for addressing marine plastic debris and promoting sustainable development.