Todd Johnson

Urban Air Quality and Health in China

Urban air pollution is one of the most visible environmental problems in China. In this paper, we use emission inventory data to assess the air quality and health effects in the Chinese city of Shijiazhuang. A spatial model is developed to identify the sources of emissions and to estimate population exposure to high ambient concentrations. Dose-response functions are used to quantify the impact on human health. Our results show significant health costs associated with Shijiazhuangs high concentration of sulphate, a fine particulate matter originating mainly from coal consumption. Policy implications are explored by evaluating alternative pollution control options. The use of cleaner coal is found to be the most cost effective in improving urban air quality and reducing human exposure.

China's power industry, 1980–1990: Price reform and its effect on energy efficiency

We examine the economic reforms in Chinas electric power industry during the 1980s, describe Chinas pre-reform economy and show how investment and price reforms affected the power industry. Despite notable gains in economic and energy efficiencies following the introduction of market-oriented policies, some reform measures produced undesirable side-effects for the power industry. Using a simple economic model, it is possible to show that the multiple-price system adopted in the mid-1980s for paying power producers results in the underutilization of Chinas newest and most energy-efficient plants. We provide an estimate of the fuel losses which may have resulted from this pricing policy and suggest alternative pricing rules which will reduce efficiency losses in the power industry.

Biofuels for transport in developing countries: socioeconomic considerations

The manufacture of biofuels for use in transportation can be commercially viable in developing countries. However, the conditions under which this can occur without long-term government support are likely to be limited. In the near term, ethanol production from sugarcane offers the best chance of commercial viability, with Brazil demonstrating that it can produce ethanol competitively with gasoline. This article discusses some of the underlying conditions needed for other developing countries to benefit from the Brazilian experience and move down the ethanol production cost curve. Where a domestic biofuel program requires sustained government support, the article considers possible justifications for government interventions in biofuel manufacture, including rural development, externalities, and energy source diversification.

Rains-Asia Model Application to China: Policy Implications for Sulfur Control

Chinas continuing dependence on coal suggests a need for a cost-effective strategy to address SO2 and acid rain impacts. Results of modeling studies show that although there are important transboundary aspects of acid rain in Asia, the majority of emissions and damages lie within China. This implies that intra-regional cooperation within China, and cost-effective sulfur control are paramount for limiting acid rain damages. This article discusses the costs and benefits of six primary and secondary control and policy options using the RAINS-ASIA and UR-BAT models. The local health benefits were estimated to be an order of magnitude larger than the ecosystem benefits at the regional level. All abatement options involve substantial costs, except intensive energy efficiency which is the most cost effective with the rate of return of almost 200 per dollar as compared to around 6 for the other options.