Changes in PM2.5 emissions in China: An extended chain and nested re fi ned laspeyres index decomposition analysis

PM2.5 emissions have become a source of severe air pollution in China during recent years, and an increasing number of studies have focused on these emissions and their drivers' impacts. However, most studies have relied on econometric models and only show the raw relationship between different socioeconomic drivers and PM2.5 pollution, ignoring the regional, sectoral and temporal heterogeneity. Hence, this study adopts the index decomposition method to analyze the determinants of the changes in PM2.5 emissions in different regions and sectors in China, between 2005 and 2015. By deriving an extended chain and nested refined Laspeyres index decomposition analysis method, the effects of determinants could be analyzed and compared annually. The results show: (1) the emission intensity and energy intensity in the Industry sector significantly reduced PM2.5 emissions, whereas other industrial sectors failed to do so; (2) the improvement in residential income contributed to increasing PM2.5 emissions rather than facilitating reductions at the present stage; (3) the rural per capita income and urban-rural income gap are two key factors stimulating PM2.5 emissions and the effects observed largely due to coal consumption. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the determinants of changes in PM2.5 emissions in different regions and sectors in China between 2005 and 2015. The results showed that emission intensity and energy intensity in the industry sector reduced PM2.5 emissions, while increases in residential income and rural per capita income, as well as urban-rural income gap, contributed to higher PM2.5 emissions.