Linear
Economic
Growth,
Exponential Air
Pollution
The Effects of Economic
Growth on Air Pollution
Sean Edward Paquette
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Course: MANE-6960H01
Professor: Ernesto Gutierrez-Miravete, Ph.D.
Fall 2013
Introduction

Quantitative statistics, models and data
collected: Shanghai, China

Examines air quality relative to economic
growth

Studies different techniques to reduce urban
air pollution in developing countries without
slowing gross domestic product (GDP) growth
Air Pollution in China
 China
is the largest emitter of greenhouse
gases in the world
 Shanghai,
pollution
 Four

China is the 6th worst city for air
fundamental air pollutants
Carbon Monoxide; Sulfur Dioxide;
Particulate Matter & Nitrogen Dioxide
Air Quality in Relationship to
Economic Growth

1978 China shifted from a centrally planned
economy to a market based economy

Past 40 years China’s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) increased from 5% to 10.4%

China’s total energy consumption increased 7
times in 34 years

Increase number of coal power plants to
meet energy demand
Techniques & Innovative
Technologies

Most efficient method to reduce pollution

Individual basis, with industry and government
incentives


Innovative technologies



Example: Vehicle engine emissions
Bio-filtration systems
Public transportation
Alternative fuels
References
 References
are identified in report for all
figures, charts and diagrams