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Adjusting Chinese income inequality for environmental equity

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  • BRAJER, VICTOR
  • MEAD, ROBERT W.
  • XIAO, FENG

Abstract

Given the extensive discussion of China's air pollution and urban income inequality problems, relatively little attention has been paid to any relationship which may exist between the two. This paper seeks to do so, by exploring the existence of environmental equity in China. Specifically, we first calculate traditional measures of urban income inequality (the Gini coefficient and Theil's T and L indices) for the years 1995 and 2004. Then, we estimate ‘pollution-adjusted’ incomes using China-based health functions and economic valuation studies, and recalculate the income (or now welfare) inequality measures. The results indicate that as pollution cleanup efforts gain traction over time, the regressive consequences of pollution may diminish. We thus conclude with an encouraging note for developing countries: improving welfare distribution can coexist with an improving environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Brajer, Victor & Mead, Robert W. & Xiao, Feng, 2010. "Adjusting Chinese income inequality for environmental equity," Environment and Development Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 15(3), pages 341-362, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:endeec:v:15:y:2010:i:03:p:341-362_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Ying & Huang, Jikun & Zikhali, Precious, 2016. "The bittersweet fruits of industrialization in rural China: The cost of environment and the benefit from off-farm employment," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 1-10.
    2. Xiaoyu Li & Lan Xu, 2021. "Human development associated with environmental quality in China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(2), pages 1-21, February.
    3. Tsun Se Cheong, 2012. "The Patterns of Regional Inequality in China," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 12-18, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.
    4. Ding, Rui & Wang, Xianjia & Liu, Yang & Zhao, Jinhua & Gu, Cuiling, 2023. "Evolutionary games with environmental feedbacks under an external incentive mechanism," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    5. Sinha, Avik, 2016. "Trilateral association between SO2 / NO2 emission, inequality in energy intensity, and economic growth: A case of Indian cities," MPRA Paper 100010, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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