UCLA

Using panel data of Chinese cities during 2000-2010, this study measures the association between urban compactness and the indicators of the environment and quality of life, while controlling for population size and per-capita Gross Domestic Product. The results fail to support the hypothesis that compact development can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emission and improve air quality. Higher urban density is associated with not just lower level of car ownership, but lower level of transit usage as well. Dense urban development is found to be closely linked to low amount of road space and green area. The fact that urban compactness does not affect the environment and quality of life in a simple fashion suggests that the government should rather rely on multi-objective policy measures and technological improvement.