Blue Beijing: estimating the effects of temporary emissions restrictions on air quality. Issue 21 (15th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wichmann, Bruno; Yang, Meng
• Is Part Of: Applied economics letters. Volume 24:Issue 21(2017)
• Page Start: 1504
• Page End: 1510
• Publication Date: 2017-12-15
• Subjects: Beijing -- air quality -- temporary emissions restrictions -- peak pollution concentrations; Q53 -- Q58; Economics -- Periodicals; Economics, Mathematical -- Periodicals; 330
• DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2017.1299093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4851

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The article uses a quasi-experimental regression discontinuity approach to estimate the effect of temporary emissions restrictions on air quality in China. While temporary emissions control is an effective strategy in response to high-pollution events, China has been using this temporary policy instrument to improve air quality during events of international exposure. We find that post-restrictions peak levels of fine particulate matter are extremely high. This finding uncovers unintended consequences of temporary polluting restrictions.