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The impact of low-carbon pilots policy on health

Author

Listed:
  • Cao, Hong
  • Han, Liyan
  • Li, Lei
  • Yin, Libo
  • Yin, Peng

Abstract

This paper quantifies the health benefits of China’s Low-Carbon Pilot (LCP) policy using individual-level mortality records. Exploiting staggered policy adoption and estimating dynamic treatment effects with the Sun and Abraham (2021) approach, we find that LCP implementation reduces pollution-related mortality among older adults by 12.6%, with the largest declines in cardiovascular, ischemic heart, and cerebrovascular deaths. The mechanism evidence points to improved air quality—achieved mainly through stronger fiscal support and tighter regulatory enforcement—and the effects are amplified in places led by younger, career-motivated officials, underscoring sizeable health benefits from climate-oriented environmental regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao, Hong & Han, Liyan & Li, Lei & Yin, Libo & Yin, Peng, 2026. "The impact of low-carbon pilots policy on health," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(2), pages 578-597.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:54:y:2026:i:2:p:578-597
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2026.02.001
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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