Does climate matter? An empirical study of interregional migration in China. Issue 1 (19th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Li; Sam, Abdoul G.
• Is Part Of: Papers in regional science. Volume 98:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 496
• Publication Date: 2017-12-19
• Subjects: China -- climate conditions -- interregional migration -- prefecture; Regional planning -- Periodicals; City planning -- Periodicals; Urbanization -- Periodicals; Economic geography -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1111/pirs.12335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-8190

Abstract

Abstract: This study focuses on the role of local climate conditions in spurring interregional migration in China over the period 2000 to 2010. We developed a robust empirical approach based on a correlated random effects model and a prefecture‐level panel dataset which allows us to account for both within province migration flows and prefecture‐specific characteristics. Empirical results reveal that climate conditions are important determinants of migration in China. Specifically, prefectures with warmer winter, cooler summer, and more available sunshine are more attractive to migrants. Economic factors such as income level and employment opportunities are also important drivers of population growth.