Investigating the spatio-temporal variations of the impact of urbanization on haze pollution using multiple indicators

Although China's rapid urbanization in recent decades has brought significant economic development, it has also placed considerable pressure on the country's environment. Based on the multiple content characteristics of urbanization, this study quantified urbanization using four aspects: urbanization rate, population density, urban expansion, and industrial agglomeration. Using China's provincial panel data from 2002 to 2018, the spatial and temporal differences of the effects of urbanization on haze pollution were evaluated with the use of a spatial econometric model. The main findings of the study found are as follows: (1) Haze pollution has significant spatial overflow effect and local agglomeration characteristics. (2) Urbanization leads to increased levels of haze pollution. Specifically, urbanization rate, urban expansion, and industrial agglomeration were found to directly increase haze pollution in the provinces, while population density did not have a significant correlation with haze pollution, which suggests different metrics of urbanization may exhibit varying effects on haze pollution. (3) The study found significant regional and temporal differences in the impact of urbanization on haze pollution. Policies and recommendations regarding haze pollution control are proposed based on the findings of the study.

Automated summary

This study found that urbanization directly increases haze pollution levels, with urbanization rate, urban expansion, and industrial agglomeration having a significant impact on haze pollution, while population density is not significantly correlated. There are regional and temporal differences in the effects of urbanization on haze pollution. Policies and recommendations for haze pollution control are proposed based on the findings of the study.