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Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Development and Management in Northeast Asia

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2017) | Viewed by 116271

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A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will consist of selected papers from the Sustainable Asia Conference 2017, annual international conference held in Nanjing of China, during 23–28 June, 2017. SAC 2017 is one of the leading international conferences for presenting novel and fundamental advances in sustainable development issues for Asia. The purpose of the conference is for scientists, scholars, engineers, and students from universities and research institutes around the world to present ongoing research activities so as to promote global research networking in the area of sustainable development. This conference provides opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences, face-to-face, to establish research or business relations, and to find global partners for future collaborations. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses topics related to sustainable development and management at both the macro- and micro-levels in Northeast Asian countries.

Prof. Dr. Yongrok Choi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • New methodological approaches for sustainable governance in Northeast Asia
  • Innovative case studies for the sustainable eco-friendly innovation with the unique contents of Northeast Asian countries (cultural, historical, socio-economical regime)
  • International cooperation for the sustainable development or green growth
  • Other related issues on the sustainable development in the region

Published Papers (20 papers)

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Editorial

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8 pages, 819 KiB  
Editorial
Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Development and Management in Northeast Asia
by Yongrok Choi
Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020548 - 21 Feb 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3651
Abstract
The Northeast Asian countries are the most pro-active regions in the world to take on the challenges of sustainable development. With this background, there has been an annual series of Sustainable Asia Conferences (SAC) which date back to the first inaugural meeting in [...] Read more.
The Northeast Asian countries are the most pro-active regions in the world to take on the challenges of sustainable development. With this background, there has been an annual series of Sustainable Asia Conferences (SAC) which date back to the first inaugural meeting in 2009. This special issue consists of selected papers from the SAC 2017, held in Nanjing, China, from 23–25 June. With ten years of accumulated experience, SAC became one of the leading international conferences for presenting innovative or fundamental advances in sustainable development issues for Asia. Over time, SAC introduced more performance-oriented approaches to handle the feasibility of the sustainable development solutions. In this special issue, most of the papers focused on the precise and accurate sustainable governance mechanism in harmonizing economic development with a healthier life, while enhancing the quality of all standards of living. The majority of papers in this special issue also deal with two important pillars of the sustainable development: regional cooperation and regulatory effectiveness. This special edition will propose unique implications and feasible or workable suggestions against global warming and environmental degradation. Full article
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Research

Jump to: Editorial

16 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
Eco-Efficiency Evaluation of Regional Circular Economy: A Case Study in Zengcheng, Guangzhou
by Wei Liu, Jinyan Zhan, Zhihui Li, Siqi Jia, Fan Zhang and Yifan Li
Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020453 - 09 Feb 2018
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4495
Abstract
Circular economies are critical for alleviating resource pressure and improving environmental quality at regional level. Emergy analysis and eco-efficiency evaluations play important roles in measuring regional eco-efficiency and providing supporting information for governmental decision-making. In this study, emergy analysis and input–output analysis were [...] Read more.
Circular economies are critical for alleviating resource pressure and improving environmental quality at regional level. Emergy analysis and eco-efficiency evaluations play important roles in measuring regional eco-efficiency and providing supporting information for governmental decision-making. In this study, emergy analysis and input–output analysis were applied to analyze the changes in emergy structure, functional efficiency, and sustainable development capacity of Zengcheng, Guangzhou during the period 2000–2016. The results showed that the proportion of non-renewable emergy in total emergy structure of Zengcheng increased from 55% to 75%, which placed a greater environmental load on the natural ecosystem and gradually weakened the capacity for sustainable development. The rates of emergy utilization and eco-efficiency both showed increasing trends. All indicators about eco-efficiency showed the development of Zengcheng heavily relied on emergy consumption, especially on non-renewable emergy. The relationship between emergy utilization and socio-economic development of Zengcheng can provide decision-making support for economic structure optimization and sustainable community development. Full article
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18 pages, 2417 KiB  
Article
The Dynamics of Land Use/Cover and the Statistical Assessment of Cropland Change Drivers in the Kabul River Basin, Afghanistan
by Omaid Najmuddin, Xiangzheng Deng and Ruchira Bhattacharya
Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020423 - 06 Feb 2018
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5604
Abstract
To cope with the growing agrarian crises in Afghanistan, the government (following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2002) has taken measures through cropland expansion “extensification” and switching to mechanized agriculture “intensification”. However, cropland expansion, on one hand, disturbs the existing land [...] Read more.
To cope with the growing agrarian crises in Afghanistan, the government (following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2002) has taken measures through cropland expansion “extensification” and switching to mechanized agriculture “intensification”. However, cropland expansion, on one hand, disturbs the existing land use/cover (LULC) and, on other hand, many socio-economic and biophysical factors affect this process. This study was based on the Kabul River Basin to answer two questions: Firstly, what was the change in LULC since 2001 to 2010 and, secondly, what are the drivers of cropland change. We used the spatial calculating model (SCM) for LULC change and binomial logistic regression (BLR) for drivers of cropland change. The net change shows that cropland, grassland, water-bodies, and built-up areas were increased, while forest, unused, and snow/ice areas were decreased. Cropland was expanded by 13%, which was positively affected by low and plain landforms, slope, soil depth, investment on agriculture and distance to the city, while it was negatively affected by plateaus and hill landforms, dry semi-arid, moist semi-arid, and sub-humid zones, precipitation, population, and the distance to roads and water. Climate adaptation measures, cropland protection in flood prone zones, population and rural migration control, farmer access to credit, irrigation, and inputs are necessary for agricultural deployment. Full article
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18 pages, 1675 KiB  
Article
The Sustainable Role of the E-Trust in the B2C E-Commerce of Vietnam
by Yongrok Choi and Do Quynh Mai
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010291 - 22 Jan 2018
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 16560
Abstract
Vietnam, as a new emerging market, especially in e-business, has been promoting its emerging e-commerce market in Southeast Asia using aggressive players such as Lazada. Nonetheless, Vietnam has strong cultural background of risk-averse attitudes, like other developing countries, thereby deferring sustainable transformation into [...] Read more.
Vietnam, as a new emerging market, especially in e-business, has been promoting its emerging e-commerce market in Southeast Asia using aggressive players such as Lazada. Nonetheless, Vietnam has strong cultural background of risk-averse attitudes, like other developing countries, thereby deferring sustainable transformation into the e-business revolution. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the factors leading to the sustainable performance of e-commerce businesses, because highly risk-avert attitudes still cause many problems due to low levels of trust. In this perspective of trust, this research may contribute to promoting Vietnamese online shopping trends and suggesting ways for sustainable business to achieve success in B2C e-commerce. The purpose of this research is to examine whether or not the characteristics of e-service quality (usefulness, convenience, security, responsiveness, and assurance) have a positive influence on customer loyalty, one of the sustainable success factors in this growing e-commerce industry in Asian markets. Using questionnaires and structural equation modelling, we concluded that it is crucial to promote e-trust as a vital element, because it lacks, in the short-run, an initial e-trust. Full article
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14 pages, 1756 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Energy Consumption in Northeast Asia: A Case from China’s Fuel Oil Futures Market
by Chi Zhang, Zhengning Pu and Qin Zhou
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010261 - 19 Jan 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3764
Abstract
The sustainable energy consumption in northeast Asia has a huge impact on regional stability and economic growth, which gives price volatility research in the energy market both theoretical value and practical application. We select China’s fuel oil futures market as a research subject [...] Read more.
The sustainable energy consumption in northeast Asia has a huge impact on regional stability and economic growth, which gives price volatility research in the energy market both theoretical value and practical application. We select China’s fuel oil futures market as a research subject and use recurrence interval analysis to investigate the price volatility pattern in different thresholds. We utilize the stretched exponential function to fit the pattern of the recurrence intervals of price fluctuations and find that the probability density functions of the recurrence intervals in different thresholds do not show the scaling behavior. Then the conditional probability density function and detrended fluctuation analysis prove that there is short-term and long-term correlation. Last, we use a hazard function to introduce the recurrence intervals into the (value at risk) VaR calculation and establish a functional relationship between the mean recurrence interval and the threshold. Following this result, we also shed light on policy discussion for hedgers and government. Full article
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12 pages, 1539 KiB  
Article
Key Drivers for Cooperation toward Sustainable Development and the Management of CO2 Emissions: Comparative Analysis of Six Northeast Asian Countries
by Andrew Chapman, Hidemichi Fujii and Shunsuke Managi
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010244 - 18 Jan 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4528
Abstract
This study analyzes the key drivers of the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions in six Northeast Asian countries (China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and Russia) from 1991 to 2015. We apply a decomposition analysis approach [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the key drivers of the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions in six Northeast Asian countries (China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and Russia) from 1991 to 2015. We apply a decomposition analysis approach using Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index to identify the main contributing factors toward CO2 emission changes. To discuss the decomposition results in more in detail, we explain the energy portfolio change in each country to understand the energy and resource utilization strategy. From the results, we find that the key driving factors of CO2 emissions change and energy portfolio trends are different among Northeast Asian countries, driven by economic growth in China and Korea, reduced by energy efficiency improvements in Russia and the DPRK, while being relatively benign in Japan and Mongolia due to a combination of these factors. This result implies that we can better understand the regional cooperation policy for improving each driving factor to achieve sustainable development and management of CO2 emissions considering the characteristics of each country. Full article
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17 pages, 3052 KiB  
Article
Price Determinants of Affordable Apartments in Vietnam: Toward the Public–Private Partnerships for Sustainable Housing Development
by Ducksu Seo, You Seok Chung and Youngsang Kwon
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010197 - 15 Jan 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6679
Abstract
Since the Doi Moi policy of economic reform in 1986, Vietnam has experienced economic development and housing market growth with increasing foreign direct investment. While high-end apartment development has dominated since the emergence of the privatized housing market, more recent focus is on [...] Read more.
Since the Doi Moi policy of economic reform in 1986, Vietnam has experienced economic development and housing market growth with increasing foreign direct investment. While high-end apartment development has dominated since the emergence of the privatized housing market, more recent focus is on the affordable apartment segment with the remarkable surge of middle-income households in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). While most previous studies have analyzed housing price determinants based on locational classification, this study is based on the affordability framework of the housing market in HCMC. It aims to investigate the price determinants of affordable and unaffordable apartment units using the hedonic regression model. The study identified common factors between the two types of apartments, such as vertical shared access and proximity to downtown, as well as unique factors for each, such as more high-rise towers, foreign development, proximity to main roads, and shopping malls only for the affordable segments. The findings have valuable implications, not only for future investors and developers in setting up successful housing development strategies, but also for the public sector in strongly encouraging public–private partnerships for sustainable housing development in Vietnam. Full article
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15 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Sustainable Performance of the Steel Industry in Korea Based on SBM-DEA
by Yongrok Choi, Yanni Yu and Hyoung Seok Lee
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010173 - 12 Jan 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4943
Abstract
Since South Korea has implemented its emissions trading scheme (ETS) in 2015, several studies have explored the sustainable performance of ETS in terms of production efficiency. However, few studies focused on Korean company-level data in their model. Thus, this study focuses on data [...] Read more.
Since South Korea has implemented its emissions trading scheme (ETS) in 2015, several studies have explored the sustainable performance of ETS in terms of production efficiency. However, few studies focused on Korean company-level data in their model. Thus, this study focuses on data from firms in the steel industry, which is a representative greenhouse gas emitter. Based on the slack-based measure (SBM) approach, we find the following implications: First, this paper evaluates both environment energy efficiency (EEE) and traditional energy efficiency and discovers that the efficiency value, in general, is overestimated, when greenhouse gas emissions are ignored. EEE still shows a decreasing efficiency value over time, implying that strong regulation is needed to increase efficiency. Second, this paper provides the return to scale status of decision-making units in the steel industry, through decomposing EEE. Results show that many steel firms are in the state of increasing returns to scale, so they can enhance their efficiency by increasing their scale. Finally, this paper provides benchmark information with which an inefficient firm can enhance its performance. Full article
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17 pages, 2148 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Total Factor Energy Efficiency and Its Influencing Factors on Key Energy-Intensive Industries in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
by Jinchao Li, Yuwei Xiang, Huanyu Jia and Lin Chen
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010111 - 05 Jan 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3966
Abstract
In order to realize the synergistic optimization management of energy efficiency in the key energy-intensive industries of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region, this paper calculates the total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) of 27 industries in the Jing-Jin-Ji region. We discover that the manufacturing of [...] Read more.
In order to realize the synergistic optimization management of energy efficiency in the key energy-intensive industries of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region, this paper calculates the total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) of 27 industries in the Jing-Jin-Ji region. We discover that the manufacturing of raw chemical materials and chemical products, the smelting and processing of ferrous metals, and the production and supply of electric power and heat power are key industries, considering their economic output ratio, energy consumption ratio, and energy efficiency. Then, the Malmquist index is used to decompose the TFEE of key energy-intensive industries. The results show that the TFEE changes in the three major industries in the Jing-Jin-Ji region are caused by technological progress. Hebei has the highest total factor average energy efficiency in the production and supply of electric power and heat power industry, the main reason for this being the spillover effect from Beijing enterprises that have led to significant technological changes in Hebei. Due to similar technological advancements, Tianjin has the highest total factor average energy efficiency in the manufacturing of raw chemical materials and chemical products and the smelting and processing of ferrous metals. Therefore, the Jing-Jin-Ji region should work to increase its technological innovation and enhance its core competitiveness. We should optimize the allocation of resources in specific industries to improve the scale efficiency. Full article
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691 KiB  
Article
Research and Development Strategy for Fishery Technology Innovation for Sustainable Fishery Resource Management in North-East Asia
by Hidemichi Fujii, Yoshitaka Sakakura, Atsushi Hagiwara, John Bostock, Kiyoshi Soyano and Yoshiki Matsushita
Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010059 - 28 Dec 2017
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6428
Abstract
The development of fishery technologies supports food sustainability to achieve a steady supply of fish and fishery products. However, the priorities for research and development (R&D) in fishery technologies vary by region due to differences in fish resource availability, environmental concerns, and consumer [...] Read more.
The development of fishery technologies supports food sustainability to achieve a steady supply of fish and fishery products. However, the priorities for research and development (R&D) in fishery technologies vary by region due to differences in fish resource availability, environmental concerns, and consumer preferences for fishery products. This study examines trends in fishery technology innovations using data on patents granted as an indicator of changing R&D priorities. To clarify changes in R&D priorities, we apply a decomposition analysis framework that classifies fishery technologies into three types: harvesting, aquaculture, and new products. This study mainly focuses on China, Japan, and Korea as the major fishing countries in the north-east Asia region. The results show that the number of fishery technology patents granted increased between 1993 and 2015; in particular, the number of aquaculture patents granted has grown rapidly since 2012. However, the trend in Japan was the opposite, as the apparent priority given to aquaculture technology innovation decreased between 1993 and 2015. The trends and priority changes for fishery technology inventions vary by country and technology group. This implies that an international policy framework for fishery technology development should recognize that R&D priorities need to reflect diverse characteristics across countries and the technologies employed. Full article
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312 KiB  
Article
Promoting Profit Model Innovation in Animation Project in Northeast Asia: Case Study on Chinese Cultural and Creative Industry
by Hao Jiao, Yupei Wang, Hongjun Xiao, Jianghua Zhou and Wensi Zeng
Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9122361 - 18 Dec 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6641
Abstract
Building on a case study of three animation companies in the Chinese cultural and creative industry, this study aims to understand how profit model innovation is promoted. Due to the rapidly changing environments and resource scarcity, cultural and creative companies need to select [...] Read more.
Building on a case study of three animation companies in the Chinese cultural and creative industry, this study aims to understand how profit model innovation is promoted. Due to the rapidly changing environments and resource scarcity, cultural and creative companies need to select the appropriate profit model according to their own key resources. The study uncovers two critical factors that promote profit model innovation in animation projects: the quantity of consumers and their consumption intention. According to these two dimensions, the authors’ analysis shows profit model innovation in animation projects can be divided into Fans mode, Popular mode, Placement mode, and Failure mode, respectively. This study provides an empirical basis for advocating profit model innovation and discusses the resource requirements of Fan mode, Popular model, and Placement mode in China’s cultural and creative industry. The authors’ research also has managerial implications that might help firms promote profit model innovation. Finally, learning and promoting the profit model of China’s animation industry in the Northeast Asia area will be conducive to Northeast Asia’s cooperation and sustainable development. Full article
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1892 KiB  
Article
Regional-Level Carbon Emissions Modelling and Scenario Analysis: A STIRPAT Case Study in Henan Province, China
by Pengyan Zhang, Jianjian He, Xin Hong, Wei Zhang, Chengzhe Qin, Bo Pang, Yanyan Li and Yu Liu
Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9122342 - 15 Dec 2017
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4195
Abstract
Global warming has brought increased attention to the relationship between carbon emissions and economic development. Research on the driving factors of carbon emissions from energy consumption can provide a scientific basis for regional energy savings, as well as emissions reduction and sustainable development. [...] Read more.
Global warming has brought increased attention to the relationship between carbon emissions and economic development. Research on the driving factors of carbon emissions from energy consumption can provide a scientific basis for regional energy savings, as well as emissions reduction and sustainable development. Henan Province is a major agricultural province in China, and it is one of most populous provinces. Industrial development and population growth are the causes of carbon emissions. The STIRPAT model was conducted for analyzing carbon emissions and the driving factors for future carbon emission in Henan Province. The results show that: carbon emissions and energy consumption in Henan Province presented a rising trend from 1995 to 2014; Energy consumption due to population growth is the main contributor to carbon emissions in Henan Province. As every 1% increase in the population, GDP per-capita, energy intensity, and the level of urbanization development will contribute to the growth of emissions by 1.099, 0.193, 0.043, and 0.542%, respectively. The optimization of the industrial structure can reduce carbon emissions in Henan Province, as suggested by the results, when the tertiary sector increased by more than 1%, the total energy consumption of carbon emissions reduced by 1.297%. The future pattern of carbon emissions in Henan Province is predicted to increase initially and then follows by a decreasing trend, according to scenario analysis; and maintaining a low population growth rate, and a high growth rate of GDP per-capita and technical level is the best mode for social and economic development. Full article
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967 KiB  
Article
Conceptual Model Development of Sustainability Practices: The Case of Port Operations for Collaboration and Governance
by Dalwon Kang and Sihyun Kim
Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9122333 - 14 Dec 2017
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 10284
Abstract
Sustainability practices in port operations are critical issue to achieve port sustainability involving economic, social and environmental issues. To assist ports to successfully implant sustainability practices into their operations, this paper conceptualized the structure of sustainability practices in international port operations, by clustering [...] Read more.
Sustainability practices in port operations are critical issue to achieve port sustainability involving economic, social and environmental issues. To assist ports to successfully implant sustainability practices into their operations, this paper conceptualized the structure of sustainability practices in international port operations, by clustering the relevant issues, empirically. Using 203 samples collected from port stakeholders in the major ports in Northeast Asia, multi-measurement items were analyzed on exploratory factor analysis in SPSS 21. Results generated a structure that consists of five sub-dimensions conceptualizing sustainability practices in the context of port operations. As operative practices to accommodate current and future demands in a port, the five-factor model clustering the relevant issues incorporate environmental technologies, process and quality improvement, monitoring and upgrading, communication and cooperation, and active participation. Providing useful insights for strategic agenda to assist ports to incorporate sustainability practices in their operations, the five-factor model offer both a descriptive and diagnostic management tool for future improvement in port operations. Full article
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375 KiB  
Article
Does Hazy Weather Influence Earnings Management of Heavy-Polluting Enterprises? A Chinese Empirical Study from the Perspective of Negative Social Concerns
by Xiaodong Zhu, Rongrong Gu, Bingbing Wu and Shunsuke Managi
Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9122296 - 11 Dec 2017
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3131
Abstract
During the 2014 APEC Conference, there was a long presence of blue sky (APEC Blue) after a long-time occurrence of hazy weather in Beijing, China, which prompted the public’s attention to heavy-polluting enterprises to reach a new peak. Will the public’s negative concern [...] Read more.
During the 2014 APEC Conference, there was a long presence of blue sky (APEC Blue) after a long-time occurrence of hazy weather in Beijing, China, which prompted the public’s attention to heavy-polluting enterprises to reach a new peak. Will the public’s negative concern about the incident will affect the operation of heavy-polluting enterprises? In this paper, we analyzed the influence of the haze-related exogenous events before and after the “APEC Blue” on earnings management of heavy-polluting enterprises from a new perspective of negative social attention. We carry out research from three perspectives for further research, which involve the growth in the demand for accounting information disclosure, the increase of consumers’ low-carbon consciousness and differences in the amount of attention on enterprises with different properties and scales. Results indicate that heavy-polluting enterprises have stronger preference for downward earnings management, especially in those enterprises that are large in scale, non-state owned, or have a direct relationship with consumers. Full article
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4486 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Beijing’s Urbanization Efficiency from 2005 to 2014
by Wei Qi, Ying Gao and Qian Zhang
Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9122190 - 30 Nov 2017
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3730
Abstract
In the context of Beijing’s accelerated economic growth, a high urbanization rate and associated urban problems pose challenges. We collected panel data for the period 2005–2014 to examine the relationship between Beijing’s urbanization efficiency and economic growth rate as well as its spatial [...] Read more.
In the context of Beijing’s accelerated economic growth, a high urbanization rate and associated urban problems pose challenges. We collected panel data for the period 2005–2014 to examine the relationship between Beijing’s urbanization efficiency and economic growth rate as well as its spatial patterns of dynamic and static urbanization efficiency. Specifically, we developed a comprehensive index system for assessing Beijing’s economic growth rate and urbanization efficiency at the district (county) level. Economic level was selected as an indicator of the economic growth rate. Economic urbanization and consumption levels were selected as indicators of urbanization efficiency. We applied a sequential Malmquist total factor productivity index to estimate the dynamic urbanization efficiency and economic growth rate at the district/country level from 2005 to 2014. We measured Beijing’s static urbanization efficiency in 2014 using a data envelopment analysis model and assessed its spatiotemporal dynamics and urbanization efficiency pattern using a Getis–Ord General Gi index. The results indicated an overall average increase of 1.07% in the total factor urbanization efficiency (TFUE), with an average value of 0.91, while the total factor economic growth rate (TFEE) remained stable at an average value of 0.979. The low TFUE level evidently continues to significantly constrain TFEE. Both TFUE and TFEE levels in the Capital Function Core (CFC) area were significant, exhibiting high inputs and outputs, while these levels in the Urban Function Development (UFD), City Development Zone (CDZ), and Ecological Conservation Development (ECD) areas were below 1 for most periods, strongly indicating inefficient factor allocation. In view of this spatial pattern, TFUE’s regional spatial distribution appears remarkable, showing a decreasing trend from north to south in Beijing, excluding CFC areas. During the period 2005–2014, the CFC area and northeastern Beijing gradually developed into high urbanization efficiency cluster regions. The dominant factors accounting for the difference in total factor productivity indices between TFUE and TFEE were technical change (TC) and scale efficiency change (SEC), and the main factors driving the regional spatial distribution pattern for urbanization efficiency were TC and technical efficiency change (TEC). Accordingly, local governments should promote TC, SEC, and TEC to improve urbanization levels, with optimal strategies entailing strengthening policy support and encouraging investments in technology in UFD, CDZ, and ECD areas. Within Beijing, Dongcheng, Xicheng, Shijingshan, Mentougou, and Yanqing demonstrated effectively balanced static urbanization efficiency levels in 2014, whereas these levels in the city’s remaining 11 districts were not optimal, with extensive development. County governments should therefore promote efforts to reduce input redundancy and improve pure technical efficiency to maintain sustainable and steady development. Full article
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365 KiB  
Article
How Have Political Incentives for Local Officials Reduced Environmental Pollution in Resource-Depleted Cities?
by Huiming Zhang, Lifang Xiong, Yueming Qiu and Dequn Zhou
Sustainability 2017, 9(11), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9111941 - 26 Oct 2017
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4768
Abstract
Chinese resource-exhausted cities face more severe environmental pollution problems than other cities. In addressing these problems, the way local officials (usually senior party and government leaders) operate is very important, as their focus on political achievements may complicate how they manage environmental pollution [...] Read more.
Chinese resource-exhausted cities face more severe environmental pollution problems than other cities. In addressing these problems, the way local officials (usually senior party and government leaders) operate is very important, as their focus on political achievements may complicate how they manage environmental pollution in these cities. On the one hand, the traditional Gross Domestic Product-based quest for political achievement may lead top leaders to de-emphasize environmental pollution. On the other hand, changes made in 2003 to the way the performance of Chinese officials is evaluated have encouraged some local senior party and government leaders to pay more attention to environmental problems. Based on this, we analyze the relationship between political incentives and environmental pollution by applying the 2004–2014 panel data from 37 resource-exhausted cities. The findings reveal that firstly, among the factors which impact the environmental pollution of resource-exhausted cities, investment in fixed assets, foreign direct investment, industrial structure, per-capita education expenditure, and population density do not have a significant impact, thus indicating that local openness levels, the degree of industrial upgrading, and local investment in fixed assets are not the key variables in environmental pollution control. Secondly, the extent to which officials vie for political achievement affects environmental pollution in resource-exhausted cities. This depends upon whether the officials are municipal party secretaries or mayors; the former play a greater dynamic role in environmental pollution and have stronger robustness than the latter. The conclusion verifies both the existing authority structure of China and its effectiveness in the control of environmental pollution of resource-exhausted cities. That is to say, in contrast to the principles of the party committees, the mayors are in a subordinate position and often fail to fully and effectively exercise their functions. Accordingly, we point out that the selection of municipal party secretaries, rather than mayors, is particularly important in coming to terms with local environmental pollution. Full article
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1194 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Ecological Compensation Standards for Fallow Heavy Metal-Polluted Farmland in China Based on Farmer Willingness to Accept
by Xue Xie, Hualin Xie, Cheng Shu, Qing Wu and Hua Lu
Sustainability 2017, 9(10), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9101859 - 17 Oct 2017
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5241
Abstract
In the context of China’s trial fallow policy; the heavy metal pollution of farmland is addressed via field surveys in Hunan Province, where the fallow policy has been implemented, and in Jiangxi Province, where it has not been implemented. We measured and analyzed [...] Read more.
In the context of China’s trial fallow policy; the heavy metal pollution of farmland is addressed via field surveys in Hunan Province, where the fallow policy has been implemented, and in Jiangxi Province, where it has not been implemented. We measured and analyzed willingness to accept (WTA) using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) Farmer awareness of heavy metal pollution and pollution sources is higher in Jiangxi Province than in Hunan Province; (2) Ignoring the impact of other factors, the WTA of farmers is 902 (yuan /mu) in Jiangxi Province and 902.26 (yuan /mu) in Hunan Province. Considering the influence of the basic characteristics of the respondents using the parameter estimation method, the WTA of farmers is 839.34 (yuan/mu) in Jiangxi Province and 934.39 (yuan/mu) in Hunan Province. There is little difference in WTA between the two provinces, but both estimates are higher than the national compensation standards; (3) The factors that affect the WTA of farmers in Jiangxi Province are gender, education level, average annual income and per capita arable land. The factors that affect the WTA of farmers in Hunan Province are age, education level, family size, average annual income, per capita arable land area and farmer occupation; (4) At present, the means and methods of compensation for the implementation of the fallow policy are recognized by most farmers. The paper concludes with some policy suggestions based on above findings. Full article
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1151 KiB  
Article
Time-Spatial Convergence of Air Pollution and Regional Economic Growth in China
by Zhengning Pu
Sustainability 2017, 9(7), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9071284 - 23 Jul 2017
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4825
Abstract
The haze pollution caused by fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emissions has become one of the most crucial topics of sustainable environmental governance in China. Using the average concentration of PM 2.5 in China’s key cities from 2000 to 2012, as measured by [...] Read more.
The haze pollution caused by fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emissions has become one of the most crucial topics of sustainable environmental governance in China. Using the average concentration of PM 2.5 in China’s key cities from 2000 to 2012, as measured by aerosol optical depth, this study tested the time-spatial convergence of fine particulate matter pollution in China. The results show that there is a trend of absolute convergence between timespan and China’s PM 2.5 emissions. At the same time, in the geographic areas divided by the east, middle and west zones, there is a significant difference in the convergence rate of PM 2.5. The growth rate of PM 2.5 in the middle and west zones is significantly higher than that of the east zone. The correlation test between regional economic growth and PM 2.5 emissions suggest a significant positive N-type Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) after considering spatial lag and spatial error effect. Full article
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1903 KiB  
Article
Carbon Reduction Potential of Resource-Dependent Regions Based on Simulated Annealing Programming Algorithm
by Wei Li, Guomin Li, Rongxia Zhang, Wen Sun, Wen Wu, Baihui Jin and Pengfei Cui
Sustainability 2017, 9(7), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9071161 - 03 Jul 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3781
Abstract
In recent years, developing countries, especially resource-dependent regions, have been facing the paradox of ensuring both emissions reduction and economic development. Thus, there is a strong political desire to forecast carbon emissions reduction potential and the best way to achieve it. This study [...] Read more.
In recent years, developing countries, especially resource-dependent regions, have been facing the paradox of ensuring both emissions reduction and economic development. Thus, there is a strong political desire to forecast carbon emissions reduction potential and the best way to achieve it. This study constructs a methodology to assess carbon reduction potential in a resource-dependent region. The Simulated Annealing Programming algorithm and the Genetic algorithm were introduced to create a prediction model and an optimized regional carbon intensity model, respectively. Shanxi Province in China, a typical resource-dependent area, is selected for the empirical study. Regional statistical data are collected from 1990 to 2015. The results show that the carbon intensity of Shanxi Province could drop 18.78% by 2020. This potential exceeds the 18% expectation of the Chinese Government in its ‘13th Five-Year Work Plan’ for Controlling Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Moreover, the carbon intensity of the province could be further reduced by 0.97 t per 10,000 yuan GDP. The study suggests that the carbon emissions of a resource-dependent region can be reduced in the following ways; promoting economic restructuring, upgrading coal supply-side reform, perfecting the self-regulation of coal prices, accelerating the technical innovation of the coal industry, and establishing a flexible mechanism for reducing emissions. Full article
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1784 KiB  
Article
An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Agricultural Product Price Fluctuations on China’s Grain Yield
by Hualin Xie and Bohao Wang
Sustainability 2017, 9(6), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9060906 - 29 May 2017
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7728
Abstract
In recent years, food security, especially supply, has been an important issue in China’s agricultural production. The stability of grain prices is related to the stability and development of the grain market. Based on agricultural production data from 1970 to 2015, this paper [...] Read more.
In recent years, food security, especially supply, has been an important issue in China’s agricultural production. The stability of grain prices is related to the stability and development of the grain market. Based on agricultural production data from 1970 to 2015, this paper explores the influence of agricultural product price fluctuation on grain production by using the cobweb theory and vector error correction (VEC) model. The results show that changes in grain production in China are affected by fluctuations in agricultural product prices, that the production change lags behind the price change, and that there is a long-term equilibrium relationship between grain yield and agricultural product price. A Granger causality test shows that the change in agricultural product price is the Granger cause of grain yield change. Full article
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