Linear Economic Growth, Exponential Air Pollution

Sean Edward PaquetteRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteCourse: MANE-6960H01Professor: Ernesto Gutierrez-Miravete, Ph.D.Fall 2013

The Effects of Economic Growth on Air Pollution

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, China is the 6th worst city for air pollution

Four 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 Example: Vehicle engine emissions

Innovative technologies Bio-filtration systems Public transportation

Alternative fuels

References References are identified in report for all

figures, charts and diagrams