Decomposition Analysis of Regional SO_2 Emission Intensity in China

Based on a residual-free decomposition analysis method(LMDI method) as well as the current situation of SO_2 emission,this paper analyzes SO_2 emission intensity of China's provinces,municipalities and autonomous regions from 1997 to 2007,and tries to find out the differences among the eastern,central and western regions.In order to see the emission reduction policies' impact on the changes of emission intensity,decomposition is also made in all 3 regions for the periods of 1997-2000,2001-2005 and 2006-2007.Overall,energy intensity change has played a most significant role in reducing SO_2 emissions intensity;China's SO_2 emission intensity is different from region to region,and so are its the main factor;emission intensity increment caused by energy intensity change as well as annual average rate of emission intensity increment caused by emission coefficient change increase from east to west;since 2001,the annual average emission intensity began to decrease,and the emission coefficient began to make emission intensity decrease;the reduction of emission intensity caused by energy intensity change mainly happen during 1997-2000.Therefore,energy efficiency improvement should be vigorously promoted.Flexible emission reduction policies are suggested in accordance with actual situations of distinct regions in China.