Impact of Resource Dependence and Industrial Structure Transformation on Haze Pollution—Evidence from 284 Prefecture-Level Cities in China

Based on panel data from 2003 to 2018, this study analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of haze pollution, resource dependence, and industrial structure transformation in 284 Chinese cities, and explores the relationship between resource dependence, industrial transformation, and their interaction on haze pollution using the GS2SLS model. The main conclusions are threefold. (1) From 2003 to 2018, China's urban haze pollution markedly improved. Nonetheless, the level of resource dependence also increased significantly, indicating that China's urban economic development remained heavily reliant on resources. The rationalization of the industrial structure progressed at a relatively slow pace, while the upgrading of industrial structure exhibited a notable enhancement. (2) At the national level, resource dependence significantly exacerbates urban haze pollution, whereas both the rationalization and upgrading of industrial structure contribute to its mitigation. Notably, the haze reducing effect of industrial structure upgrading is substantially greater than that of industrial structure rationalization. Furthermore, the interaction between resource dependence and industrial structure upgrading exerts a significant positive impact on the intensification of urban haze pollution. (3) The impacts of resource dependence and industrial structure transformation on haze pollution exhibit considerable heterogeneity among regions at various stages of economic development. These findings provide a theoretical reference for formulating policies aimed at the sustainable utilization of natural resources and the green transformation of industrial structures, both in China and in other developing countries facing similar conditions.