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Investing in a transition fuel: The remarkable decline in mortality from China's rollout of natural gas infrastructure

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  • Lai, Wangyang
  • Lin, Liguo
  • Shen, Xiaochi
  • Zhou, Maigeng

Abstract

The world is undergoing a monumental energy transition. Leveraging China's rollout of natural gas infrastructure, this study estimates the effects of energy access on mortality from 2004 to 2015. The data link the detailed locations and timings of pipeline setup with quarterly administrative death records. The results indicate a 53% increase in household gas usage and a 12% decline in death rate. Mortality reduction is largely driven by decreases in cardiorespiratory diseases and lung cancers, and particularly in the female population. This health benefit is primarily attributed to reduced air pollution due to the shift from dirty fuels to natural gas. The findings underscore the significant potential of transition fuel investments for public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, Wangyang & Lin, Liguo & Shen, Xiaochi & Zhou, Maigeng, 2025. "Investing in a transition fuel: The remarkable decline in mortality from China's rollout of natural gas infrastructure," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:130:y:2025:i:c:s0095069625000154
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2025.103131
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    Keywords

    Energy transition; Mortality; Natural gas; Indoor air pollution; Air quality; Gender inequality; Climate change;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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