Spatial production fragmentation and PM_(2.5) related emissions transfer through three different trade patterns within China

摘要

PM2.5 is the major component of severe haze pollution in China. Some studies have reported that large scale of PM2.5 related emissions are derived from trade activities. However, little research has been carried out about the assessment of emissions related to different trade patterns, especially the trade related to spatial production fragmentation. Based on multi-regional input output model, this study analyzed the transfer of PM2.5 related emissions through three different trade patterns in China, i.e. the trade of final products (T_f), the trade of intermediate products for the last stage of production (T_i) and the trade for the domestic and global value chain (T_v). Results showed that the trade of intermediate products from inland regions to coastal regions in China contributed to additional PM2.5 related emissions thereby being in line with the pollution haven hypothesis, i.e. a shifting of pollution-intensive industry from countries with stringent environmental regulations to countries with weaker environmental regulations. In contrast, the trade of final products from coastal regions to inland regions generated savings in PM2.5 related emissions. The largest share of embodied air pollutants is from T_v trade pattern, which means spatial production fragmentation has become a key factor to affect embodied emissions flows. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.