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Air pollution and happiness: Evidence from the coldest capital in the world

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  • Sanduijav, Chimedregzen
  • Ferreira, Susana
  • Filipski, Mateusz
  • Hashida, Yukiko

Abstract

The transition from a centrally planned socialist economy to free markets brought unprecedented economic growth to Mongolia, but also severe environmental problems associated with rapid urban development. Its capital city Ulaanbaatar has experienced extreme air pollution during the winter months for almost two decades. While the impacts of local air pollution on cardiovascular and respiratory health in Ulaanbaatar are well documented, this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between particulate matter concentrations and the subjective well-being of its residents. We match newly available survey data on subjective well-being in Ulaanbaatar with particulate matter readings and weather data and estimate a significant relationship between air pollution and self-reported life satisfaction. The estimated coefficients imply a potentially large willingness-to-pay for better air quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanduijav, Chimedregzen & Ferreira, Susana & Filipski, Mateusz & Hashida, Yukiko, 2021. "Air pollution and happiness: Evidence from the coldest capital in the world," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:187:y:2021:i:c:s0921800921001439
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107085
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    2. de Vries, S.P. & Garcia Alvarez, G. & Botzen, W.J.W. & Bockarjova, M., 2023. "Valuing urban nature through life satisfaction: The consistency of GIS and survey indicators of nature," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    3. Jiaping Zhang & Xiaomei Gong, 2023. "How does environmental quality perception influence people's fertility intention? Evidence from China," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(2), pages 272-296, June.
    4. Yuanyuan Chen & Xinli Ke & Min Min & Yue Zhang & Yaqiang Dai & Lanping Tang, 2022. "Do We Need More Urban Green Space to Alleviate PM 2.5 Pollution? A Case Study in Wuhan, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-16, May.
    5. Sandra Aguilar-Gomez & Nathaly M. Rivera, 2024. "Air Pollution in the Global South: An Overview of Its Sources and Impacts," Working Papers wp561, University of Chile, Department of Economics.
    6. Shazia Kousar & Muhammad Afzal & Farhan Ahmed & Štefan Bojnec, 2022. "Environmental Awareness and Air Quality: The Mediating Role of Environmental Protective Behaviors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-20, March.
    7. Han, Ahram & Ten, Gi Khan & Wang, Shun, 2023. "Gray skies and blue moms: The effect of air pollution on parental life satisfaction," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).

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