A Holistic Clean Air Strategy Considering Integrated Health and Ecological Impacts.
Zhaoxin Dong1,2, Shuxiao Wang2,3, Fenfen Zhang2,3,4
1School of Environment and Energy, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Human activities cause severe air pollution in China's Yangtze River Delta (YRD), leading to significant economic losses from health and ecological damage. Controlling emissions from key cities and sectors like agriculture is crucial for sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Economics
Background:
- Anthropogenic emissions significantly alter atmospheric composition, causing widespread air pollution.
- Air pollution poses severe risks to public health and ecosystem integrity.
- The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region faces substantial environmental and health challenges due to industrialization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess the integrated health and ecological impacts of anthropogenic emissions in China's YRD region.
- To quantify the economic losses associated with PM2.5 and O3 pollution, and nitrogen deposition.
- To identify key source cities and emission sectors for targeted pollution control.
Main Methods:
- Coupling response surface modeling with monetization methods.
- Quantifying local and intercity impacts of PM2.5- and O3-related health burdens.
- Assessing nitrogen deposition-induced ecological damage and crop losses.
Main Results:
- Total estimated economic loss of CNY 2630.5 billion in 2020, equivalent to 11% of regional GDP.
- PM2.5-related health damage accounted for 59.2% of total losses; nitrogen deposition caused 32%.
- Regional pollution (91%) had a greater impact than local emissions; Suzhou and Shanghai identified as key sources.
Conclusions:
- Integrated health and ecological assessments are vital for effective environmental policy.
- Coordinated, cross-boundary pollution management strategies are necessary for the YRD region.
- Targeted emission controls in agriculture, industry, and transportation are essential for reducing economic damages and promoting sustainability.
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