The impact of circular economy initiatives on urban air quality in the United States
Abstract The study attempts to establish a connection between circular economy practices and urban air pollution in the United States, utilizing panel data from fifty states from 2009 to 2022. Given the poor state of air quality and its ominous threat to public health and environmental sustainabilit...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08554-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract The study attempts to establish a connection between circular economy practices and urban air pollution in the United States, utilizing panel data from fifty states from 2009 to 2022. Given the poor state of air quality and its ominous threat to public health and environmental sustainability, the present study aims to provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of circular economy methods in reducing harmful air pollutants. Applying the GMM estimator to the regression analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between high recycling rates and reduced air pollution levels. An Environmental Kuznets Curve has also been depicted by this study—a postulation showing that although per capita income may be increasing to start with higher pollution levels, at high-income levels it could further lead to improving air quality. These findings demonstrate the significant impact of population density on pollution levels, highlighting some of the challenges faced by metropolitan regions. The article underscores the significance of incorporating circular economy approaches into urban policy frameworks and offers fresh perspectives on guiding sustainable urban development processes. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |