Climate Change and Labor Reallocation: Evidence from Six Decades of the Indian Census

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
Year: 2023
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Pages: 395-423

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

How do rising temperatures affect long-term labor reallocation in developing economies? In this paper we examine how increases in temperature impact structural transformation and urbanization within Indian districts between 1951 and 2011. We find that rising temperatures are associated with lower shares of workers in nonagricultural sectors, with effects intensifying over a longer time frame. Supporting evidence suggests that local demand effects play an important role: declining agricultural productivity under higher temperatures reduces the demand for nonagricultural goods and services, which subsequently lowers nonagricultural labor demand. Our results illustrate that rising temperatures limit sectoral and rural-urban mobility for isolated households.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejpol:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:395-423
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29