Dataset Information

Location-specific co-benefits of carbon emissions reduction from coal-fired power plants in China.

ABSTRACT: Climate policies that achieve air quality co-benefits can better align developing countries' national interests with global climate mitigation. Since the effects of air pollutants are highly dependent on source locations, spatially nuanced policies are crucial to maximizing the achievement of co-benefits. Using the coal power industry as a case study, this study presents an interdisciplinary approach to assessing facility level co-benefits at every specific source location in China. We find that co-benefits range from US$51-$278 per ton CO₂ reduction nationwide and are highly heterogeneous spatially, with "hotspot" regions that should be the priority of emissions reduction policies, and that provinces should use different techno-economic strategies to reduce emissions. The location-specific co-benefit value plus a carbon price serves as a unified environmental indicator that enables policy makers to more accurately understand the social costs of electricity generation from coal burning and provides a scientific framework for geographically nuanced policymaking.

SUBMITTER: Wang P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8629986 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Location-specific co-benefits of carbon emissions reduction from coal-fired power plants in China.

Wang Pu P Lin Cheng-Kuan CK Wang Yi Y Liu Dachuan D Song Dunjiang D Wu Tong T

Nature communications 20211129 1

Climate policies that achieve air quality co-benefits can better align developing countries' national interests with global climate mitigation. Since the effects of air pollutants are highly dependent on source locations, spatially nuanced policies are crucial to maximizing the achievement of co-benefits. Using the coal power industry as a case study, this study presents an interdisciplinary approach to assessing facility level co-benefits at every specific source location in China. We find that ...[more]

PMID: 34845194

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Project description:BackgroundCoal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution that can impact children's health. Limited research has explored if proximity to coal-fired power plants contributes to children's neurobehavioral disorders.ObjectiveThis community-based study collected primary data to investigate the relationships of residential proximity to power plants and neurobehavioral problems in children.Methods235 participants aged 6-14 years who lived within 10 miles of two power plants were recruited. Exposure to particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) was measured in children's homes using personal modular impactors. Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Multiple regression models were performed to test the hypothesized associations between proximity/exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. Geospatial statistical methods were used to map the spatial patterns of exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms.ResultsA small proportion of the variations of neurobehavioral problems (social problems, affective problems, and anxiety problems) were explained by the regression models in which distance to power plants, traffic proximity, and neighborhood poverty was statistically associated with the neurobehavioral health outcomes. Statistically significant hot spots of participants who had elevated levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and social problems were observed in the vicinity of the two power plants.SignificanceResults of this study suggest an adverse impact of proximity to power plants on children's neurobehavioral health. Although coal-fired power plants are being phased out in the US, health concern about exposure from coal ash storage facilities remains. Furthermore, other countries in the world are increasing coal use and generating millions of tons of pollutants and coal ash. Findings from this study can inform public health policies to reduce children's risk of neurobehavioral symptoms in relation to proximity to power plants.

Dataset Information

Location-specific co-benefits of carbon emissions reduction from coal-fired power plants in China.

Publications

Location-specific co-benefits of carbon emissions reduction from coal-fired power plants in China.

Similar Datasets

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