Project information
Essays in environmental economics

Air pollution was estimated to be responsible for approximately 6 to 9 million deaths every year, surpassing the combined impact of all other known environmental risk factors on global morbidity and mortality. It was shown to cause life shortening, have adverse effects on health through cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, impede child development, and even negatively affect the central nervous system, reduce cognitive performance and labor productivity. According to WHO global air quality guidelines, long-term levels of PM2.5 concentrations should not exceed 5μg/m3, and short-term (24 hours) levels should not exceed 15μg/m3. Nevertheless, in 2022, only 17% of cities in high-income countries had PM2.5 concentrations below the recommended WHO limits and in low- and middle-income countries, air quality in less than 1% of cities fell below these limits. In light of these findings, it is clear that further efforts in designing policies to reduce pollution levels are needed, and for that, a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the effects of exposure to pollution is necessary. Although extensive research has already been done on this topic, several strands of literature could still benefit from more comprehensive research. This research project will contribute to the literature centered around the impacts of air pollution with two studies targeting the short-term effects of air pollution on cognitive performance and mood, and with one study assessing some of the potential determinants of peoples’ pro-environmental behavior, in terms of willingness to pay for cleaner air.