Spatial Correlation of Industrial NOx Emission in China’s 2 + 26 Policy Region: Based on Social Network Analysis

Abstract

The Chinese government has identified air pollution transmission points in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and its surrounding areas under 2 + 26 initiative. This study introduces a modified Gravity Model to construct the spatial correlation network of industrial NOx in 2 + 26 policy region from 2011 to 2015, and further explores network characteristics and socioeconomic factors of this spatial correlation network by Social Network Analysis. Results indicate significant correlation of industrial NOx emission in 2 + 26 policy cities. The spatial correlation network of industrial NOx has remained stable within 5 years, implying no pollution exacerbation of interregional transmission. According to the effect of output and input in the correlation network of industrial NOx, cities in 2 + 26 policy region can be categorized into four types: high-high, high-low, low-low, and low-high, as each should adopt the corresponding strategies for emission reduction. Shijiazhuang, Liaocheng, Cangzhou, Heze and Handan should be key monitored during implementation of emission reduction. Taiyuan, Hebi, Langfang, Tangshan and Yangquan, should give priority to local emission reduction although less associated with other cities, based on city type and current emission situation. Environmental regulation and geographical distance have significant influence on the spatial correlation network of industrial NOx, of which the indicator of environmental regulation difference matrix has become significantly negative since 2014, while the indicator of geographical effect has been significantly positive all along. Urban industrial emission has significant correlation between cities with distance of 0–300 km, while no significant correlation between cities with distance exceeding 300 km.