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Temperature and Migration Intention: Evidence from the Unified National Graduate Entrance Examination in China

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  • Yan Chen

    (School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
    School of Frontier Crossover Studies, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha 410205, China)

  • Xiaohong Chen

    (School of Business, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
    School of Frontier Crossover Studies, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha 410205, China)

  • Hongshan Ai

    (School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha 410079, China)

  • Xiaoqing Tan

    (School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha 410079, China)

Abstract

This paper estimates the impact of destination cities’ temperature on the migration intentions of highly educated talents. Using a unique manually collected dataset of applicants for the Unified National Graduate Entrance Examination (UNGEE) of double first-class universities in China, we find that both hot (over 25 °C) and cold (below 5 °C) days in the previous 3 months before the registration date significantly decrease the number of applicants for the UNGEE of double first-class universities, relative to a moderate (20–25 °C) day. Heterogeneity analysis shows that such effects differ by destination universities’ quality and climate regions. We also find that destination cities’ income level can mitigate the negative effects of hot days and cold days on the number of applicants. These findings add to the existent literature by examining an understudied relationship between temperature and migration intention.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Chen & Xiaohong Chen & Hongshan Ai & Xiaoqing Tan, 2022. "Temperature and Migration Intention: Evidence from the Unified National Graduate Entrance Examination in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10244-:d:891123
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