Life expectancy and the environment

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control
Year: 2010
Volume: 34
Issue: 4
Pages: 798-815

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We present an OLG model in which life expectancy and environmental quality dynamics are jointly determined. Agents may invest in environmental care, depending on how much they expect to live. In turn, environmental conditions affect life expectancy. As a result, our model produces a positive correlation between longevity and environmental quality, both in the long-run and along the transition path. Eventually, multiple equilibria may also arise: some countries might be caught in a low-life-expectancy/low-environmental-quality trap. This outcome is consistent with stylized facts relating life expectancy and environmental performance measures. We also discuss the welfare and policy implications of the inter-generational externalities generated by individual choices. Finally, we show that our results are robust to the introduction of growth dynamics based on physical or human capital accumulation.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:dyncon:v:34:y:2010:i:4:p:798-815
Journal Field
Macro
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25