Eleventh International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

China’s large scale smog pollution has been a prominent environmental issue with global attention. It could be considered an artificial climate change with negative impact on human beings’ health. Exiting research discusses environmental causes of China’s smog pollution. However, few studies focus on the political response on this issue and its performance. Based on the relevant data of key cities with record of smog pollution in China, by applying quantitative methods, this paper analyzes the impact of the “Ten Measures of Air Pollution Mitigation of the State Council” (2013) on the improvement of air quality in urban China. Research findings show that the application and implementation of the “Ten Measures of Air Pollution Mitigation of the State Council” has significantly reduced the concentration of inhalable particulate matter in the key cities. Moreover, it has also proved that performance incentive reform, instead of economic transformation, provides a driving force for sustainable development. Within the same municipality and same city decision maker, different performance evaluation mechanisms may lead to completely different results of urban governance. Therefore, this study could not only provide an insight into China’s urban leadership impact on air pollution mitigation, but also helps understand the role of performance evaluation in China’s public administration.