Effect of internal migration on the environment in China

We examine the effect of inter-provincial migration on air and water pollution for a panel of Chinese provinces over the period 2000–2013. To do so, we employ linear and non-linear panel data models in a Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) framework. Results from linear and non-linear models suggest that inter-provincial migration has contributed to pollution. Second-generation linear panel data model results suggest that for every additional 10,000 inter-provincial migrants, chemical oxygen demand (COD) increases 0.27–0.58%, sulphur dioxide (SO2) increases 0.08–0.25% and aggregate waste disposed (WST) increases 0.04–0.26%. Non-linear threshold panel model results suggest that for every additional 10,000 inter-provincial migrants, COD increases 0.2–0.5%, SO2 increases 0.10–0.20% and WST increases 3.1–4.2%.