Inequality of PM2.5 exposure and its driving factors in China:Based on Theil index and LMDI decomposition
Focused on the main air pollutant PM2.5,this study specifically utilized population-weighted concentration from 2015 to 2021 to create an index of PM2.5 exposure in Chinese cities.We then measured the inequality of pollution exposure using the GINI coefficient and Theil index,decomposing it by city administrative level and province.Finally,the logarithmic mean Divisia index model(LMDI)was selected to analyze the driving factors of PM2.5 exposure and inequality,investigating the socio-economic factors behind their changes.Our finding showed that GINI coefficient remained within 0.2 and decreased over time,implying PM2.5 exposure inequality in China was mild.Inequality in pollution exposure was not observed between cities with different administrative levels,but more prominent among provinces.In general,the pollution exposure by unit source and the energy-saving effect of government green expenditure were the main inhibiting factors of PM2.5,which contributed more than 60％to the pollution exposure level,while government expenditure structure,government expenditure scale,economic development,and population factors increased PM2.5 exposure.However,each factor was heterogeneous among cities at different levels.Over time,inhibitors to pollution inequality,such as pollution exposure by unit source and the energy-saving effect of government green expenditure were weakened,which posed challenges to the pollution control strategy mainly relying on green energy.Based on our findings,we recommended that government should play a more active role in reducing PM2.5 exposure levels and achieving more equalization of environmental public services.
air qualitypollution exposureenvironmental inequalityTheil indexdynamic decomposition analysisPM2.5
万方数据
