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Unintended Effects of Germany’s Nuclear Phase Out: A Rise in Mortality Due to Non-Communicable Respiratory Diseases

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  • Tuomas Kaariaho

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Helsinki)

Abstract

The discussion on nuclear power balances its risks against carbon emissions resulting from nuclear phase-out. This paper studies an important unintended consequence of abandoning nuclear power: the adverse health effects of increased air pollutants. I use the synthetic control method to study the causal effect of the German nuclear phase-out on mortality. I find that the nuclear plant closures resulted in 17 life years lost each year per 100,000 inhabitants or roughly 170 premature deaths per year from non-communicable respiratory diseases. This effect accounts for an 8% increase in mortality due to respiratory diseases and corresponds to around one billion euros per year in lost lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Tuomas Kaariaho, 2025. "Unintended Effects of Germany’s Nuclear Phase Out: A Rise in Mortality Due to Non-Communicable Respiratory Diseases," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 88(8), pages 2085-2123, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:enreec:v:88:y:2025:i:8:d:10.1007_s10640-025-01002-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10640-025-01002-z
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