Open AccessBeyond the ceremony: Mega-event, air quality and political career
Author(s) -
Li Fang,
Pan He,
Chuanhao Tian,
Yao Yao,
Hongjie Chen
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0262470
Subject(s) - air quality index , megacity , beijing , politics , enforcement , event (particle physics) , quality (philosophy) , mega , air pollution , environmental quality , business , environmental planning , political science , economic growth , china , geography , economy , economics , meteorology , law , philosophy , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , epistemology , quantum mechanics , astronomy
This paper examines whether mega-events-initiated planning regulations improved air quality in Chinese cities and explores the driving forces of the enforcement of such regulations. Using the 2008 Beijing Olympics as an example, we find that mega-events serve as an opportunity for cities to combat air pollution. The 2008 Olympics prompted a handful of Chinese cities to cut pollution and sustain a blue sky: Cities with air quality regulated for the Olympics cut their Air Pollution Index by about 16 points during the Games, compared to non-regulated cities, and 60% of that effect remained four years after the event. These achievements are obtained through effective mobilization of city leaders by associating air quality with their political careers. This study reveals that 1) a mega-event may improve urban environmental quality beyond the host cities and the event period, and 2) successful implementation of environmental regulations hinges on incentivizing local leaders.