Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Maria Waldinger, KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, im BERG-Research Seminar am 10.11.26

Das Institut für VWL freut sich ankündigen zu können, dass Prof. Dr. Maria Waldinger, KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, innerhalb des BERG-Research Seminar einen Vortrag zum Thema

The Long-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Socialist East Germany

halten wird.

Termin ist Dienstag, der 10. Novemberi 2026, von 15.00h (s.t.) – 16.00h in Raum F21/01.30 (Dekanatsraum)

Abstract:

What are the long-run effects of sustained exposure to air pollution? A unique natural experiment allows us to examine this question. In 1982, a sudden reduction in Soviet oil supplies forced Socialist East Germany to switch to highly polluting lignite coal. While the shock led to sharp increases in air pollution near mining regions, authoritarian restrictions on mobility, housing, and labor markets limited sorting responses. We document persistent adverse labor market effects over three decades and across age groups. Exposed individuals work less, earn lower wages, and retire earlier. These estimates imply larger social costs of pollution than previously documented. Health is a key mechanism: Infant mortality increases by 9%, and the long-run incidence of asthma and cardiovascular disease rises significantly.