Air Pollution, Environmental Protection Tax and Well-Being

Abstract

The effective control of air pollution to advance human health and improve well-being has risen to the forefront of discussion in recent years. Based on China’s 2019 environmental protection tax data and China Social Survey (CSS) data, this paper studies the effects of subjective air pollution and the environmental protection tax on residents’ well-being using an econometric intermediary effect model. The research conclusions are as follows: (1) Subjective air pollution can significantly reduce residents’ well-being, (2) an environmental protection tax can significantly improve residents’ well-being and it can eliminate some of the negative influence of subjective air pollution on residents’ well-being, and (3) the grouping test of residents’ income, regional distribution, urban and rural structure, age structure, gender structure, and other variables shows that the effects of subjective air pollution on residents’ well-being are heterogeneous among different populations. After further endogeneity testing with the instrumental variables method, adjusting the primary variables, and altering the research procedures, the results are still robust. Based on these findings, we should vigorously promote the development of ecological civilization and good air quality and support reforming the environmental protection tax system to enhance well-being. It is also necessary to shift from a crude development model to a green industry and business model. While emphasizing social equity and production efficiency, we should ensure the synchronous development of cities and villages. Additionally, tangible steps should be implemented to raise people’s incomes, expand young people’s work options, and enhance their satisfaction. The article focuses on the impact of subjective air pollution on residents’ well-being, adding air pollution to the factors affecting well-being. Furthermore, the article finds that the environmental protection tax has two advantages: it can govern air pollution and promote green development, and, at the same time, it can enhance social harmony and improve residents’ well-being.

Impact of Urban Air Quality on Total Factor Productivity: Empirical Insights from Chinese Listed Companies

“…To eschew external criticism, it is crucial for businesses to commit to environmentally sustainable practices and modernize their infrastructure. Wang and Tang [31] indicated that the introduction of environmental protection taxes and green credit policies has intensified financial and regulatory burdens on highly polluting firms with weak environmental branding. Such pressures augment financial constraints and compliance costs, thereby adversely affecting CTFP as air pollution intensifies.…”

“…The "cumulative effect" and "spillover effect" attributes of air pollution progressively and markedly diminish residents' sense of well-being [31]. The expansion of mass media has broadened avenues for public engagement in environmental conservation and has amplified its role in oversight.…”

Aiming A Pollution Free Society

“…It involves the use of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, reduction in waste, pollution, and carbon emissions, the use of renewable materials, and the incorporation of sustainable production practices throughout the entire manufacturing process. Sustainable manufacturing aims to provide products that meet the needs of consumers while minimizing the negative impact on the environment and society, thus promoting long-term economic and environmental sustainability [9]. For exam-ple, renewable energy sources like solar-powered manufacturing units and wind turbines can be used to reduce the dependence on non-renewable energy sources.…”

Development Indexes, Environmental Cost Impact, and Well-Being: Trends and Comparisons in Italy

“…A deep and critical analysis of some indicators, including the HDI, was carried out in Refs. [13][14][15][16], also recognizing their limits [16]; consequently, some new approaches were introduced [17,18], e.g., in Ref. [19], the relationship between residential energy use per capita and human well-being was studied by using the HDI in the 27 European Union member countries over the years 2000-2018.…”