Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing (Jul 2020)

The Energy Efficiency and Public Health in the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation

  • Ching-Cheng Lu PhD,
  • Xin Wu PhD,
  • Xiang Chen PhD,
  • Chih-Yu Yang MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/0046958020935664
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 57

Abstract

Read online

This study pays more attention to the energy consumption saving, environmental pollution, and health efficiency improvement. We employ the Slack-based measure of Dynamic network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model (DNSBM) to assess the impact of forestry area on annual and overall energy and health efficiency in 2 intertemporal stages, and also put forward on direction and magnitude to be improved respect to the slack variables. For the empirical study, this study employs the 13 countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as APT) during 2011-2015. From the empirical evidence, it is not easy to raise gross domestic product while reducing energy consumption and PM2.5 emissions to improve energy efficiency. What makes people neglect is the impact of reduced forestry area on health efficiency. Optimistically, all economies are able to adopt measures from policy and technical perspectives, for instance, appropriately adjust energy-related policies, energetically develop innovative energy technologies, and preserve forestry areas, to create a harmonious atmosphere featuring economic development, environmental conservation, and national health and well-being.