Can Green Patents Clean China’s Air? What the Data from 220 Cities Reveals

By Muhammad OsamaReviewed by Laura ThomsonJul 10 2025

A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports highlighted how green technology innovation (GTI) affects air pollution in China's two largest river basins, the Yangtze River Basin (YARB) and the Yellow River Basin (YERB). Researchers comprehensively analyzed the quantity and quality of GTI and their nonlinear impacts on PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations, key air quality indicators.

The findings suggest that targeted clean technology innovation can significantly improve air quality and support sustainable development in densely populated regions.

The Role of Green Innovation in Air Quality Management

GTI involves developing and applying environmentally friendly technologies that reduce pollution and promote sustainable economic growth. It is crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 3.9 (reducing deaths from air pollution).

In China, air pollution from fine particulate matter poses significant health risks. PM_2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, mainly originate from combustion processes and can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. PM₁₀ particles, while larger, also affect health, often arising from dust and industrial sources. Effectively managing these pollutants requires technologies that align environmental protection with economic development.

Investigating Green Innovation and Air Pollution in China's River Basin

Researchers focused on the YARB and YERB, two regions facing serious air pollution challenges. The YARB is a key economic hub with an advanced manufacturing ecosystem, while the YERB struggles with pollution from resource-intensive industries.

They analyzed data from 220 cities between 2000 and 2022 using various methods such as kernel density estimation (KDE) and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA).

To explore the relationship between GTI and air pollution, the study applied an extended stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model incorporating the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory. Econometric models, particularly the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), were used to analyze spillover effects, recognizing that pollution and innovation in one city may influence neighboring areas.

Key variables included the quantity of GTI (total number of green patent applications) and the quality of GTI (share of invention patents). The dependent variables were annual average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, sourced from the China High Air Pollutants (CHAP) database. Control variables included economic indicators such as per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and environmental factors such as precipitation and wind speed.

Complex Dynamics Between Innovation and Pollution Reduction

The analysis demonstrated clear spatial and temporal differences in air pollution and GTI across the YARB and YERB regions. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations increased until around 2013, then declined following the implementation of China's Air Pollution Action Plan. The YERB strongly and consistently recorded higher pollution levels than the YARB.

During this period, the quantity of GTI rose primarily in urban centers, forming a "core-periphery" spatial pattern. Although GTI quality fluctuated, it generally improved over time. High-pollution clusters were mainly located downstream in the YERB, while innovation hotspots were concentrated in economically advanced regions.

The relationship between GTI and air pollution was nonlinear and varied by innovation type and pollutant. GTI quantity followed an inverted U-shaped curve with both PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Initially, increases in green patent numbers corresponded to rising pollution, likely due to early-stage, less effective technologies. However, after reaching turning points (105.10 for PM_2.5 and 61.25 for PM₁₀), further innovation led to pollution reductions. PM₁₀ responded to GTI earlier than PM_2.5, reflecting the relative ease of controlling coarser particles.

In contrast, GTI quality showed an inverted N-shaped relationship with pollution. High-quality innovations had a stronger negative effect on PM_2.5 than on PM₁₀, underscoring their importance in managing fine pollution. The YERB lagged behind the YARB, resulting in weaker pollution reduction outcomes due to its dependence on resource-intensive industries.

After 2012, coinciding with China's innovation-driven development strategy, GTI quality had a more pronounced impact on pollution reduction, indicating improved innovation effectiveness. Spatial econometric modeling confirmed that GTI effects extended beyond individual cities, creating beneficial spillover effects in neighboring areas, mainly for PM₁₀.

Applications for Clean Technology Policy and Practice

This research has significant implications for environmental policy and sustainable development. It highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize the quantity and quality of green innovations, which is key to achieving meaningful environmental improvements. The findings also underscore the importance of targeting the construction and transportation sectors, where interventions can more rapidly reduce PM₁₀ pollution.

Advancing Sustainable Development

This study highlights the differing impacts of GTI quantity and quality on air pollution across China's major river basins. Achieving sustainable development requires promoting innovation that leads to measurable improvements in air quality.

Future work should explore how GTI affects pollution in various regional contexts and examine how knowledge transfer can enhance the diffusion of green technologies. Overall, this analysis underscores the importance of integrating technological innovation with environmental strategies to support cleaner urban environments in China.

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