Dr. Wei Zhang, Connecticut College
Seminar Title: “Impacts of Air Pollution on Education and Human Capital: Evidence from Chinese Cities during the Great Recession”
Abstract:
Human capital is a driving force behind economic development. Health and education outcomes may be influenced by many factors, including exposure to pollution. This study examines the impact of air pollution on human capital. The Great Recession induced differential changes in air pollution across Chinese cities because of their differences in industrial specialization and pollution intensity. I exploit this external event to identify the impacts of SO2 emissions on school enrollments. Estimates indicate that a 10% reduction in SO2 emissions can lead to a 0.5% increase in enrollment, at both the preschool and higher education levels. Visibility data are used to corroborate the quality of emissions data. I also conduct falsification exercises with enrollments of primary and junior secondary education, which are compulsory under the 1986 Compulsory Education Law of China.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
3:00pm - 4:15pm
George C. White Building, room 209
View the full Fall 2018 ARE Seminar Schedule
For more information, contact: Tatiana Andreyeva at tatiana.andreyeva@uconn.edu