Socioeconomic factors of PM2.5 concentrations in 152 Chinese cities: Decomposition analysis using LMDI

Abstract As a typical component in particulate matter, respirable suspended particles (PM2.5) can cause increased morbidity and mortality from cystic fibrosis, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. China, with the largest population in the world, is challenged with sever PM2.5 concentration, particularly in the urban area. Understanding the key factors influencing PM2.5 concentration is the basic step for taking targeted measures. Previous studies have identified the key impact factors on PM2.5 concentration in only a few selected cities, which barely contributes to China's PM2.5 concentration reduction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the key impact factors of PM2.5 concentration in 152 Chinese cities in eastern, central, and western China by using Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method. The findings of the study are as follows: emission intensity ( EI ) inhibited the PM2.5 concentration of 137 cities (i.e. 90.13% of the152 cities); energy intensity ( EnI ) depressed that of 99 cities (i.e. 65.13%); economic output ( EO ) stimulated that of 120 cities (i.e. 78.95%); and population ( P ) spurred that of 124 cities (i.e. 81.58%). This is the first study that provides a full picture of the key impact factors on Chinese urban PM2.5 concentration. The identified key impact factors can serve as the evidence and guidance for the authorities of China's cities to tailor their strategies towards PM2.5 concentration reduction.