Research on the efficacy of China’s Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) has largely focused on economic and environmental dimensions, while often neglecting its synergistic benefits for health and climate. A recent study by Xiurong Hu et al., employing an integrated economic-energy-environment model (CEEEM) coupled with air quality and health impact models, examine the dual benefits of health and climate mitigation under the EPT policy in China. This paper is published in Cell Reports Sustainability, a highly regarded journal in the field of sustainability and environmental research. The abstract of the paper is copied below.

Air pollution poses significant risks to public health and the environment, particularly in rapidly developing countries like China. The Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) offers a dual opportunity to improve air quality and mitigate climate change, but its effectiveness varies by region. This study integrates economic, environmental, and health data to propose a regionally differentiated tax system that aligns economic incentives with environmental and health benefits in China. By emphasizing cost-effective solutions like end-of-pipe technologies, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic growth with sustainability. The proposed model not only enhances the EPT’s effectiveness in China but also serves as a framework for other countries facing similar environmental challenges.

Graphical abstract

If you are interested in the research, please read the paper:

Xiurong Hu, Yao Chen, Peier Li, Huihuang Wu, Qunwei Wang, Changbo Wang, Fei Wu.2024. Synergizing human health and climate benefits in China’s Environmental Protection Tax. Cell Reports Sustainability. DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100260.

A full version of this article could be viewed at:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2024.100260