14 Environmental Policy and Sustainability Chen, Xiaodong, Zhuang Miao, Ge Wu, and Pengyu Zhu. “City-level green growth accounting: Evidence from China’s thirteen urban agglomerations.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 203 (2024): 114776. Focus of Study This article investigates the industrial sector’s role in achieving carbon neutrality in China’s thirteen urban agglomerations (TUAs) from 2006 to 2016. Utilizing a novel Malmquist productivity index framework, the study evaluates how efficiency changes and technological advancements contribute to environmental productivity growth. Findings reveal an average annual productivity gain of 2.6%, primarily driven by energy use and pollutant management, with industrial sulfur dioxide emissions being notably impactful. However, a negative ‘catch-up effect’ (−0.2%) indicates that less advanced areas struggle to match the productivity of more developed regions. The research emphasizes the necessity of technology transfer and capital investment to improve environmental performance. Overall, the study provides crucial insights for policymakers aiming to enhance sustainable development by addressing the complexities of industrial activities and their environmental consequences. Policy Recommendations To enhance environmental performance in China’s TUAs, policymakers should prioritize technology transfers from advanced regions and increase investments in renewable energy. Implementing tailored regulatory measures for industrial emissions, especially sulfur dioxide, will foster sustainable development and mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with industrial growth. SCHOLARLY SHOWCASE Yang, Lin, Yatang Lin, Jin Wang, and Fangyuan Peng. “Achieving Air Pollution Control Targets with Technology-Aided Monitoring: Better Enforcement or Localized Efforts?.” American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 16, no. 4 (2024): 280-315.. Focus of Study This paper investigates the impact of automated monitoring systems on air pollution control in China, particularly in the context of the country’s efforts to combat pollution. The study leverages a staggered rollout of monitoring technology and remote-sensing data to assess local government responses. Findings reveal that local authorities strategically target pollution reduction efforts in areas near automated monitors, achieving a 3.2 percent decrease in pollution levels in those zones compared to areas further away. The research highlights variability in responses among different cities, influenced by preexisting practices of data manipulation and the incentives and public pressures faced by local officials. This suggests that while automated monitoring can enhance accountability, its effectiveness may be contingent upon the local governance context and existing incentives. Overall, the study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how technological advancements can be leveraged to improve environmental policy outcomes. Policy Recommendations To enhance air quality management, policymakers should invest in automated monitoring systems while ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. Additionally, aligning incentives for local officials with pollution control objectives can mitigate data manipulation, fostering genuine efforts to reduce pollution and achieve environmental targets across diverse urban contexts.
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