How does perceived environmental pollution affect migration interests: adapt or flee?

We utilized the China Genuine Progress Indicator Survey, a unique national survey data from China, to explore the effects of individuals’ perceived pollution on their migration interests. Results show a significantly positive effect of perceived environmental pollution on an individual’s migration interests. A higher level of perceived pollution increases the possibility of migration by 6.5%. Meanwhile, adaptive behaviours such as using facemasks, air cleaners, or water cleaners could not be alternatives to migration. In particular, well-educated, young, high-income groups, as well as those engaged in professional and technical work, are more affected by perceptions about environmental pollution. They are likely to show higher levels of perceived pollution, which could possibly lead to the brain drain effect. Moreover, people’s environmental attitudes have moderating effects on the migration interests triggered by pollution. Our focus on potential population outflow can bear new implications for the formulation of forward-looking environmental policies.