Investigating Spatial Heterogeneity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve for Haze Pollution in China

This study investigates the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for haze in 31 cities and provinces across China using spatial data a period of 15 years, from 2000 to 2014. We utilized geographically weighted regression (GWR) model consider non-stationary characteristics air quality vast territory. approach allowed us verify region-specific characteristics, while global estimated average relationship entire nation. Although EKC was statistically significant models, results only confirmed existence an between overall economic performance. Thus, it difficult determine regional differences EKC. The GWR found variability each variable showed heterogeneity regions. six regions—Beijing, Gansu, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Shanghai, Tianjin, Xinjiang, Zhejiang—showed inverted U-shaped EKCs, these were three big cities—Beijing, Shanghai. demonstrated no EKCs other 25 cities. These provide strong empirical evidence that there is China. more regionally specialized pollution control policy required create effective balanced growth