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Ecological costs of energy infrastructure: Evidence from migratory bird tracking

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Qiangyuan
  • Li, Jianmin
  • Liang, Yuanning
  • Zhao, Weiping
  • Cheng, Yunqian
  • Huang, Tian

Abstract

Human activities increasingly disrupt ecosystems, yet the economic costs of energy infrastructure on migratory species remain underexplored. Using over 200 million GPS tracking records of migratory birds and a national database of Chinese power plants from 2014 to 2022, we show that plant construction significantly reduces bird stopover duration by 54.4% within 50 km, with effects that persist over years. Plant decommissioning generates ecological recovery, though the magnitude is smaller. We identify habitat alterations, air pollution, and water pollution as key mechanisms underlying these effects. By quantifying the economic consequences of energy infrastructure on migratory birds, this study advances the integration of biodiversity impacts into economic research.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Qiangyuan & Li, Jianmin & Liang, Yuanning & Zhao, Weiping & Cheng, Yunqian & Huang, Tian, 2026. "Ecological costs of energy infrastructure: Evidence from migratory bird tracking," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:138:y:2026:i:c:s0095069626000720
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2026.103352
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q40 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - General
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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