Abstract This study explores the stricter cap on the sulfur content in marine fuel implemented in seas in north-western Europe in 2015. The analysis is built on a difference-in-differences design that compares outcomes in coastal areas before and after the tightening of the sulfur cap, to the outcomes in control areas over the same period. The results show that the new sulfur cap reduced annual average ambient concentrations of sulfur dioxide () in coastal areas by 22 percent and levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by 6 percent, compared to control areas. In the subsample with available air quality readings, the sulfur cap led to a 7 percent reduction in the risk of low birthweight in coastal areas. The estimated improvements provide a benchmark for assessing the benefits of tightening sulfur standards in other settings.
Highlights Cap on sulfur content in marine fuel tightened in 2015. Stricter cap reduced concentrations of sulfur dioxide by 22 percent. Stricter cap reduced levels of fine particles by 6 percent. Stricter cap reduced risk of low birthweight by 7 percent in a subsample.
The coast is clear: Shipping emission standards, air quality and infant health
2021-09-29
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
I12 , I18 , Q51 , Q53 , Q58 , Environmental regulation , Air pollution , Infant health
Engineering Index Backfile | 1933
Quality standards and assessment in shipping
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1992
|Online Contents | 2011
SHIPPING - Coast Protection - >>Pallas<<-Accident
Online Contents
SHIPPING - Coast Protection - >>Pallas<<-Accident
Online Contents | 1998