| Popis: |
The social costs of air pollution and climate change hinge critically on humans’ ability to adapt. Based on high-resolution transaction records from the world’s largest payment network, this research shows how China’s rapid expansion of high-speed railways and air-travel networks (HSR/air) has facilitated the use of intercity travel as an effective means of adaptation. On average, HSR/air expansion has reduced travelers’ exposure to extreme pollution by 16%, and to extreme temperatures by 15%, with larger effects when travelers’ own home cities experience worse conditions. Longer-term changes in travel patterns before and after HSR/air access explain 56% of the reduction in pollution exposure and 82% for temperature exposure. Contemporaneous responses to unexpected adverse conditions account for the remaining impact. Such a reduction in exposure to environmental extremes entails substantial health benefits. |
