Environmental and socioeconomic dynamics: how air pollution and migration shape behavior and aging in China

Abstract

This Thesis explores how environmental challenges, particularly air pollution, shape migration, retirement, and behaviour in China. Using robust econometric methods and nationally representative data, it examines three interrelated aspects.
First, it investigates how rural-to-urban migration affects environmental behaviours among left-behind families. Current migration reduces recycling willingness by 71.9% and fixed garbage placement by 21.8%, while return migration increases these behaviours by 79.0% and 46.3%, respectively. Mechanism analysis highlights the roles of green infrastructure and social remittance in driving these effects.
Second, it examines air pollution’s effect on urban-to-urban migration flows. A doubling of the destination-to-origin relative PM2.5 concentration between destination and origin cities reduces migration inflows by 42%. The relationship is influenced by migration
distance, infrastructure, and settlement costs, with older, middle-educated, married male migrants more affected by pollution disparities.
Third, it explores how air pollution impacts retirement expectations. A 1% increase in PM2.5 concentration reduces the expected retirement age by 5.11 months, with rural residents facing larger declines (9.03 months) than urban residents (4.45 months). Mechanisms such as financial support, green infrastructure, and welfare systems mitigate pollution’s adverse effects, while dynamic pollution shocks amplify early retirement adjustments.
This research contributes to understanding the socioeconomic impacts of environmental degradation. By integrating migration, environmental, and labour economics, it offers insights into policies promoting sustainable urbanization, green infrastructure, and welfare systems, particularly for vulnerable groups.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Yu Qin: orcid.org/0009-0000-9780-5523

ORCID for Corrado Giulietti: orcid.org/0000-0003-2986-4438

ORCID for Jackie Wahba: orcid.org/0000-0002-0002-3443

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