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The Local Environment and Subjective Well-being

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  • Belcher, Richard
  • Fecht, Daniela
  • Weale, Martin

Abstract

This paper explores whether it is possible to use the well-being data collected in the survey Understanding Society to produce estimates of the cost put on local air pollution or proximity to a main road and the value placed on proximity to green space. The conclusions are rather negative. Calculations based on the 2012/13 wave point and the 2016/17 wave give very different answers, and a differences in differences approach shows no significant environmental effect. In the near term it seems unlikely that this approach could form a basis for the inclusion of environmental influences in measures of local well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Belcher, Richard & Fecht, Daniela & Weale, Martin, 2025. "The Local Environment and Subjective Well-being," Discussion Papers escoe-dp-2025-14, Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence.
    • Handle: RePEc:eoe:escoed:escoe-dp-2025-14
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects

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