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A spatial analysis of air pollution in Japan before and after Fukushima

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  • Dominguez, Alvaro

Abstract

We study the spatial distribution of air pollutants in Honshu and Kyushu, before and after the Fukushima incident in 2011. For this, we use satellite data at the municipal level of fine particulate matter and ozone concentrations, along with population density, accessibility to cities, and night lights. We rely on dependence analysis and an algorithm to endogenously partition and classify municipalities into different clusters, based on their geographic andsimilar attributes, for the period under study. From the spatial analysis we are able to observe the specific locations of the hot spots (high-value clusters) and cold spots (low value clusters). These clusters reveal high positive correlations between air pollution and economic activity, throughout the years that we study. Furthermore, the regionalization analysis we perform partitions Honshu and Kyushu into different geographical regions that are intertemporally robust, allowing us to detect locations where targeting policies can improve the air quality of the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominguez, Alvaro, 2025. "A spatial analysis of air pollution in Japan before and after Fukushima," AGI Working Paper Series 2025-07, Asian Growth Research Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:agi:wpaper:02000198
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    References listed on IDEAS

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