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Population density and urban air quality

Author

Listed:
  • Rainald Borck

    (University of Potsdam, CESifo, DIW Berlin)

  • Philipp Schrauth

    (University of Potsdam)

Abstract

We use panel data from Germany to analyze the effect of population density on urban air pollution (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and ozone). To address unobserved heterogeneity and omitted variables, we present long difference/fixed effects estimates and instrumental variables estimates, using historical population and soil quality as instruments. Our preferred estimates imply that a one-standard deviation increase in population density increases air pollution by 3-12%.

Suggested Citation

  • Rainald Borck & Philipp Schrauth, 2019. "Population density and urban air quality," CEPA Discussion Papers 08, Center for Economic Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:pot:cepadp:08
    DOI: 10.25932/publishup-42771
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    population density; air pollution;

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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