Sustainability and Environmental Inequality: Effects of Animal Husbandry Pollution in China

Yujie Yang, Weixin Luan and Yunan Xue
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Yujie Yang: School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Weixin Luan: School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Yunan Xue: School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: Environmental inequality in animal husbandry is an important issue that matters in sustainable livestock production and environmental sustainability. In this context, the objective of this study is to measure and analyze the chemical oxygen demand (COD) discharge inequality from animal husbandry in the Liaoning province in China, as a case study in environmental inequality. Using the pollutant discharge coefficient method and environmental inequality indices, the study looks specifically at the impacts on unequal distribution and unequal economic efficiency in Liaoning in the period 2000 to 2016. The study explores the determinants of COD discharge inequality by constructing panel threshold regression models. The major findings are as follows. First, there is COD discharge inequality in distribution and in economic efficiency in Liaoning, and these were not reduced over time, despite a decline in the absolute quantity of COD discharge after 2013. Second, the impact of COD discharge inequality in economic efficiency lasted longer and was more serious across Liaoning compared with COD discharge inequality in distribution. Third, the quantitative upgrading of the agricultural industrial structure did not significantly reduce COD discharge inequality, and even led to a rise in inequality, especially in terms of economic efficiency. Ultimately, regional economic development turned out to be the key factor in inequality reduction. In addition, improvement in public fiscal support for science and technology also led to greater reduction in inequality.

Keywords: environmental inequality; sustainability; animal husbandry; chemical oxygen demand; panel threshold regression model; Liaoning province (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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