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Urban pollution: A global perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Rainald Borck

    (University of Potsdam, CESifo, DIW Berlin)

  • Philipp Schrauth

    (University of Potsdam)

Abstract
We use worldwide satellite data to analyse how population size and density affect urban pollution. We find that density significantly increases pollution exposure. Looking only at urban areas, we find that population size affects exposure more than density. Moreover, the effect is driven mostly by population commuting to core cities rather than the core city population itself. We analyse heterogeneity by geography and income levels. By and large, the influence of population on pollution is greatest in Asia and middle-income countries. A counterfactual simulation shows that PM2.5 exposure would fall by up to 36% and NO2 exposure up to 53% if within countries population size were equalized across all cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Rainald Borck & Philipp Schrauth, 2022. "Urban pollution: A global perspective," CEPA Discussion Papers 60, Center for Economic Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:pot:cepadp:60
    DOI: 10.25932/publishup-57204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Borck, Rainald & Schrauth, Philipp, 2024. "Urban pollution: A global perspective," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    population density; air pollution; gridded data;
    All these keywords.

    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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