Real-time information on air pollution and avoidance behavior: evidence from South Korea
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Real-time information on air pollution and avoidance behavior: evidence from South Korea Geunsik Yoo 1 Accepted: 15 October 2020/ # Springer Nature B.V. 2020
Abstract This study provides new empirical evidence on the relationship between information about air pollution and avoidance behavior. Many countries provide real-time information to describe the current level of air pollution exposure. However, little research has been done on people’s reactions to that real-time information. Using data on attendance at professional baseball games in South Korea, this study investigates whether real-time information on particulate matter affects individuals’ decisions to participate in outdoor activities. Regression models that include various fixed effects are used for the analysis, with the results showing that real-time alerts reduce the number of baseball game spectators by 7%, and that the size of the effect is not statistically different from that of air pollution forecasts. The study demonstrates that providing real-time information can be a way to protect the public’s health from the threat of air pollution. Moreover, the findings suggest that having easy access to the relevant information and an awareness of the risks involved are necessary for a realtime information policy to succeed. Keywords Air pollution . Avoidance behavior . Particulate matter . Real-time information JEL classification I12 . I18 . Q53 . Q58
Introduction The hazards of air pollution are well known, and government authorities worldwide have implemented various policies to protect their people from the threat it presents. Providing information on the level of air pollution is one of these efforts and is based on the expectation that people will adjust their behavior in response to the information.
* Geunsik Yoo [email protected]
1
Department of Economics, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
Population and Environment
Thus, the information provided typically includes behavioral guidelines to explain the actions the public should take in response to elevated levels of air pollution. A number of studies have shown that providing information on air pollution, such as forecasts, prompts avoidance behavior (Neidell 2009; Graff Zivin and Neidell 2009; Janke 2014; Altindag et al. 2017). With developments in information and communication technologies, providing and acquiring information have become easier, and the type of information that can be exchanged has become more diverse than ever before. Many countries now provide the public with real-time information on air pollution, which more accurately describes the current level of pollution exposure than what air pollution forecasts can offer. In addition, individuals can obtain this information easily and immediately through smart devices (mobile phones, tablets, etc.). While the expectation is that people will adjust their behavior based on real-time information, little has been studied on people’s actual reactions to that information. Providing access to inform
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