Title: Evaluation of rational sulphur dioxide abatement in China

Authors: Lei Shi, Lu Xing, Genfa Lu, Ji Zou

Addresses: School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, Jiangsu province, PR China. ' School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China. ' State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 210093 Nanjing, Jiangsu province, PR China. ' School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China

Abstract: Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) abatement is attracting wide attention, with its generation increasing rapidly in China. In this paper, we calculate the SO₂ rational abatement ratio (SRAR) of 30 regions in China from 1990 to 2005, by applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based on the regional own production frontier. Results show that, the more developed area is, the lower SRAR is. The eastern, central and western areas have the lowest, medium and highest 1990-2005 average SRAR (22.17%, 46.99% and 58.28%), respectively. Chinese government should emphasise particularly on SO2 abatement in central and western area. More investment in SO2 management, introducing advanced technology as well as popularising clean coal technology are the urgent tasks for central and western area to improve SO2 emission efficiency.

Keywords: sulphur dioxide emissions; rational abatement; DEA; data envelopment analysis; sustainable development; economic growth; policy making; regions; China; clean coal technology; advanced technology; air pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.021130

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.35 No.1, pp.42 - 57

Published online: 05 Nov 2008 *

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