Air pollution's impact on the settlement intention of domestic migrants: Evidence from China

This study explores the impact of air pollution on the settlement intention of domestic migrants in China, using data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey, historical air pollution indicators, and other city-level indicators. We find that air pollution has a negative effect on migrants' intention to stay long term in the area where they currently live. This negative effect is greater for old-generation migrants, migrants with non-agricultural Hukou, trans-province migrants, and those who have been in their current city for only a short time. We also empirically test two mechanisms by which air pollution affects migrants' settlement intention-depressed mood and life satisfaction-and demonstrate that community anti-haze education can alleviate air pollution's negative effect. This study supplements current research in the field of air pollution and migration, and has important practical significance for promoting urban labor accumulation and population urbanization.