Spatio-Temporal Impact of Major Events on Air Quality Based on Spatial Differences-in-Differences Model: Big Data Analysis from China

In an attempt to investigate the impact of major events on urban air quality in terms of the extent, duration and spatial scope; data on the daily air quality index (AQI) and the concentrations of individual pollutants are collected in 140 cities of China from January 2nd, 2015 to November 28th, 2017. Based on a spatial differences-in-differences (DID), the impact of major events, such as political conferences, sporting events at the national level, on urban air quality in the dimensions of time and space are explored. It is concluded that major events not only affected the air quality of the host city, but also exercised influence on the air quality of the surrounding areas. Recommendations for mitigating the impact of major events on urban air quality have been proposed, such as establish regional atmospheric environment management system and formulate regional unified standards for pollutant discharge, industrial access and law enforcement.