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Chasing Clean Air: Pollution-Induced Travels in China

Author

Listed:
  • Shuai Chen
  • Yuyu Chen
  • Ziteng Lei
  • Jie-Sheng Tan-Soo

Abstract

This study uses “big” data to empirically investigate a highly effective, but underexamined way of reducing one’s exposure toward air pollution—short-term travel. We determine subscribers’ locations using mobile phones’ signals and thereby establish linkages between air pollution and short-term population movements between cities in China. Using an instrumental variable based on daily variation in wind directions and pollution levels from distant upwind locations, we find that a one-unit increase in the origin city’s air quality index (AQI) over the destination city’s AQI increases short-term population flow from origin to destination by 0.15%. Further analyses provide richer characterizations of the decision-making process behind travel movements. Our findings add to the evidence base by examining in detail an understudied behavioral response toward air pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuai Chen & Yuyu Chen & Ziteng Lei & Jie-Sheng Tan-Soo, 2021. "Chasing Clean Air: Pollution-Induced Travels in China," Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, University of Chicago Press, vol. 8(1), pages 59-89.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jaerec:doi:10.1086/711476
    DOI: 10.1086/711476
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